Sircilla textile industry, which thrived during the BRS rule is now grappling with a deep crisis, forcing handloom and powerloom workers into despair. For a decade, under the leadership of KCR, the region saw a revival in employment and security for its textile workforce.
With the BRS government’s initiatives like the production of Bathukamma sarees and other welfare schemes, the handloom sector witnessed a turnaround. However, since the Congress government took office with Revanth Reddy at the helm, the situation has deteriorated drastically with 13 weaver suicides in just 11 months.
During KCR’s tenure, the government supported the handloom community, securing large orders and implementing insurance and loan-waiver schemes. This brought financial relief, enabling workers to earn a stable income of up to Rs. 20,000 per month, which significantly reduced migration and created prosperity in the region. Initiatives like the Netanna insurance scheme, which provided up to Rs. 5 lakh coverage without a premium, the ‘Worker to Owner’ program, and many other novel schemes have further strengthened the community.
Under the Congress administration, however, government orders have dwindled, leaving textile factories in Sircilla without work and forcing many to close. Looms received orders amounting to only Rs. 48.69 lakh for uniform production and Rs. 49.94 lakh for textiles, a sharp drop from previous allocations that amounted to thousands of crores. Furthermore, despite promises, the Congress government has not opened sheds constructed under the ‘Worker to Owner’ scheme during the BRS rule, leaving them unused and repurposed.
The situation has drawn protests from traders and workers alike, who now find themselves without a stable income. The ongoing lack of support and job opportunities has driven thousands of textile workers to the brink of starvation.