Latest news with #ThriftFundScheme
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Cabinet approves free bus ride for women in Andhra Pradesh from August 15
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a series of transformative welfare initiatives ahead of the National Handloom Day, significantly impacting women, weavers, and small business owners across the State. These include the free bus ride for women and handholding to the weaver community and Nayee Brahmins (who are into salon services). Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on Wednesday, I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said, among the flagship measures, was the free bus travel scheme for women, set to be launched on August 15, under the 'Stree Shakti' initiative, which was one of the government's Super Six election promises. 'The scheme will allow over 2.6 crore women, girl students, and transgender individuals to travel free of cost on APSRTC buses, including Palle Velugu, Express, and Metro Express services. Valid ID proof is required, and services such as inter-State, chartered, or package tours are excluded,' the Minister said. Cost to exchequer 'The scheme will apply to 74% of the APSRTC fleet (about 6,700 buses), benefiting nearly 27 lakh commuters daily. The annual cost to the exchequer is expected to reach ₹1,942 crore. To meet increased demand, the State will procure 3,000 electric buses this year, with 1,400 more over two years. Safety upgrades include body cams for female conductors and CCTV cameras on buses, along with improved bus station facilities,' he said. Mr. Parthasarathy said, in a major boost to the traditional weaving sector, the Cabinet approved a comprehensive ₹648.59 crore relief package. 'The measures include free electricity (200 units for manual looms and 500 units for power looms), 5% GST reimbursement, and revival of the Thrift Fund Scheme, wherein the government matches 8% of a weaver's savings. Additionally, ₹5 crore has been allocated for 2025–26, and pending dues of ₹17.17 crore from 2017 onwards will be cleared,' the Minister said. Further, the Cabinet approved 150–200 units of free electricity for 40,808 hair-cutting saloons, both AC and non-AC, imposing an estimated ₹100 crore annual burden on the State. In other decisions, the Cabinet approved the formulation of a Social Media Policy and extended the ban on the CPI (Maoist) and its affiliated organisations such as RYL, RSU, SIKASA, and RDF until August 2026, under the Public Security Act.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Applications Invited for Netannala Bharosa Scheme to Support Handloom Weavers in the District
Gadwal: The Assistant Director of the Handloom and Textile Department, Mr. Govindayya, has announced through a press release that applications are being invited from eligible handloom weavers in the district for enrollment in the Netannala Bharosa Scheme (Weavers' Assurance Scheme). Eligibility Criteria: Only handloom weavers who are actively engaged in their craft on a daily basis and have a Geo-tag Number are eligible. Applicants must be enrolled under the Thrift Fund Scheme (Pothupu Padhakam). The applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants should be capable of producing handloom products as per prescribed guidelines. Scheme Benefits: Under this scheme, financial support will be provided as an annual wage incentive: Rs. 18,000/- for primary handloom weavers. Rs. 6,000/- for assistant weavers (helper category). Mr. Govindayya further added that every product labeled under the Telangana Standard Weaves Label, marked with a unique logo, guarantees minimum quality standards and serves as a mark of authenticity and recognition for the state's handloom products. Application Process: Interested weavers in the district are required to fill Form A and Form B, and submit them along with: Two recent passport-size photos of both the weaver and assistant (if applicable), Xerox copies of Aadhaar card and bank passbook. All completed applications must be submitted by 25th July 2025 at the Handloom and Textile Department Office, Room No. F-28, 1st Floor. Helpline Numbers for Further Information: For queries and additional details, applicants may contact the following numbers: 9573730056 9666922281 The department has urged all eligible handloom workers in the district to make use of this opportunity to ensure their inclusion in the scheme, which aims to provide both recognition and financial security to traditional weavers.
