FinMin for textile cluster to promote Ponduru Khadi
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said she will speak to Ministry of Textiles to explore establishing a textile cluster at Ponduru in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, about 100 km from here to promote khadi.
In her address on the occasion of National Handlooms Day, she said Ponduru Khadi has international recognition but is not fetching remunerative price to the local weavers due to various reasons.
Sitharaman called for slew of measures to enhance the brand value of Ponduru Khadi. She greeted Deputy Chief Minister Dharmana Krishnadas, Assembly Speaker Thammineni Sitaram and TDP MP K. Rammoham Naidu at the function and said they are all united to promote Ponduru Khadi known for its superior quality and texture.
She also inspected the weaving process and interacted with the artisans at Andhra Fine Khadi Labor Development Association building. She inspected the khadi distillation system. The foundation stone was laid for a new building. She said NABARD will give loans to the weavers to modernise their units.
She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to encourage khadi in a big way. She said khadi productivity has increased from Rs 9,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 18,000 crore by 2021.
The Union Minister distributed cheques to several beneficiaries on the occasion.
Deputy Chief Minister Dharmana Krishnadas said Ponduru Khadi should be supported jointly by the Central and State Governments under various schemes.
Assembly Speaker Sitaram said khadi is not only user-friendly but also helps in making a fashion statement.
State Finance Minister Buganna Rajendranath Reddy and BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao were present.
