Andhra Pradesh Weavers Face Debt Trap

The Hindu · india

Andhra Pradesh handloom weavers are facing a severe debt trap due to delayed government payments from APCO. Many weavers, like Balla Koteswara Rao and Balla Janaki, work over 13 hours daily to earn just ₹250-₹300 per saree after expenses. The State government owes ₹265.09 crore, pending since 2016, to APCO and handloom societies. This financial strain is impacting livelihoods in key weaving regions, with active cooperative societies dwindling and the number of weavers decreasing.