Tue Aug 05 11:53:48 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Andhra Pradesh government allocates ₹125 crore to provide free electricity to handloom and powerloom weavers, up to 200 and 500 units respectively, starting from Weavers’ Day (August 7). The announcement was made by Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar during a visit to Giddaluru, Prakasam district. Alongside Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, he inaugurated development projects including CC roads and substations. Gottipati also assured that Markapuram will be declared a separate district soon and criticized the previous YSR Congress Party government for alleged scams.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Boosts Weaver Community with Free Electricity Scheme**

**Ongole, August 5, 2025:** In a move aimed at bolstering the traditional weaving industry, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced a ₹125 crore initiative to provide free electricity to handloom and powerloom weavers across the state. Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar made the announcement during a visit to Giddaluru in Prakasam district, stating that the scheme will provide up to 200 units of free electricity to handloom weavers and up to 500 units to powerloom weavers. The initiative is set to commence on Weavers’ Day, August 7.

The announcement was made alongside Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, as the two inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several developmental projects in the Giddaluru constituency. These include CC roads and 33/11 KV substations, amounting to investments worth several crores.

“This is a significant step towards empowering our weaver community and ensuring their economic stability,” said Minister Gottipati. “Our government is committed to supporting traditional industries and preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

In addition to the weaver scheme, Minister Gottipati also announced the government’s commitment to farmers, highlighting the restoration of the Gundlakamma project gates and the implementation of the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme.

He also assured residents that Markapuram will be declared as separate district. Furthermore, the Minister took the opportunity to criticize the previous YSR Congress Party administration under Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing them of large-scale scams and prioritizing political gain over public welfare. “The previous government played with people’s lives for their own selfish reasons,” he stated.

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