On Friday, Handlooms and Textiles Minister KT Rama Rao inaugurated the Gajam Govardhana Telia Rumal Art Gallery in Hyderabad.
The gallery was established in a 1000 sq ft hall by Padma Shri Gajam Govardhana. Handloom garments, some of which were decades old, books on the profession from around the world, documents, and other materials collected by him were on display.
KTR stated that if Mr. Govardhana and others lend their support, the State government would establish a museum. He urged the younger generation to make a fashion statement by wearing handlooms clothing to festivals and other events in support of the weavers.
KTR also said that several measures were taken by the State government under the leadership of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to protect and encourage handloom weavers. Chenetha Mithra, Nethanna Ku Cheyutha, and Nethanna Ku Bima are some of the schemes.
KT Rama Rao had also called for a postcard campaign to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handloom clothing and raw materials be repealed.
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The removal of the levy will mitigate financial hardship for poor handloom weavers, he said, urging weavers to send postcards to the Prime Minister highlighting the issue. The Minister also encouraged those fond of handloom products to participate in the campaign, according to a statement issued by his office.
Rao accused the Centre of eliminating weavers’ welfare programs and imposing GST on handloom products and raw materials. The handlooms sector was the second largest employer after agriculture. He stated the levy on humanitarian aid should be repealed on humanitarian grounds.
The Minister stated that despite bringing the issues of handloom weavers to the attention of the Centre several times, there had been no positive response from the latter.
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