Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday (August 7, 2026) announced that the coalition government would soon enact a law aimed at protecting the interests of Backward Classes (BCs), saying that a draft of the legislation had already been prepared.

Addressing the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at Kothapeta village in Chirala constituency of Bapatla district, the Chief Minister launched the Netanna Sevalo welfare scheme and said his government was committed to both welfare and development despite the State’s financial difficulties.

Under the scheme, the government released ₹179 crore to provide financial assistance of ₹25,000 each to 71,536 eligible handloom families across the State.

Describing handloom weaving as a symbol of India’s culture and heritage, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was home to several renowned handloom traditions, including those of Chirala, Venkatagiri, Dharmavaram, Uppada, Mangalagiri, Ponduru, Pedana, Srikalahasti and Narsapuram.

According to the Chief Minister, nearly 1.27 lakh people depend on the handloom sector for their livelihood. He said the government was supplying free electricity of up to 200 units a month to handloom families and up to 500 units to power loom units, benefiting more than 72,000 families and units.

Mr. Naidu also said handloom workers were being provided pensions under the NTR Pension Bharosa scheme from the age of 50. He said around 85,000 beneficiaries were receiving monthly pensions of ₹4,000 each, involving an annual expenditure of ₹420 crore.

The government, he said, had extended ₹79 crore in cash credit assistance to 109 primary handloom cooperative societies and approved 10 handloom clusters under the Small Cluster Development Programme at a cost of ₹10 crore. Infrastructure projects were also being taken up in Uppada and Mangalagiri, and a handloom and handicrafts museum was being set up at Shakhamuru in Amaravati.

The Chief Minister announced that a sustainable textile recycling unit with an investment of ₹4,200 crore would be set up in Visakhapatnam.

Without naming the YSR Congress Party, the Chief Minister accused the Opposition of obstructing development through court cases, protests and what he described as “conspiracy politics”. Referring to allegations surrounding the recent Mega DSC recruitment examination, he said attempts were being made to create controversy long after the examination process had concluded.

Drawing a distinction between younger people and political opponents, Mr. Naidu said Generation Z wanted development and opportunities, while certain sections of the older political leadership were trying to impede progress.

He also criticised Opposition leaders over recent protests and law-and-order incidents, alleging that they were encouraging disruptive activities and creating obstacles to development.

Revival plans for Chirala

Calling Chirala a “Mini Mumbai” because of its rich weaving heritage, the Chief Minister promised to restore its former glory.

He said tourism infrastructure would be strengthened along the Surya Lanka, Bapatla and Chirala coastline, and announced the development of a tourism corridor with financial assistance of ₹97 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Later, Mr. Naidu reviewed the performance of district officials, inaugurated several development works and witnessed the signing of agreements with four organisations, including Fabindia, for the promotion of the handloom sector. Ministers S. Savitha, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Anagani Satya Prasad and local public representatives attended the programme.

Published - August 07, 2026 05:19 pm IST