Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced that the newly inaugurated Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) in Hyderabad will be named after the late freedom fighter Konda Laxman Bapuji. This decision was made during the institute’s inauguration, which is aimed at boosting the state’s handloom sector by providing education and training in handloom technology.
The event was attended by Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, public representatives, senior officials, leaders of the handloom association, and families of weavers. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari to take immediate steps to officially name the institute after Konda Laxman Bapuji. He highlighted that this naming is a fitting tribute to Bapuji’s contributions.
In his speech, CM Revanth Reddy stressed the importance of both farmers and weavers, saying, “Just as farmers are vital for society, so too are weavers.” To support the handloom sector, he announced several initiatives:
– A waiver of ₹30 crore in loans for weavers.
– Distribution of two high-quality sarees with unique designs every year to 63 lakh women in self-help groups across the state.
– An annual order of 1.30 crore sarees for weavers under the Cheneta Cheyutha scheme.
– Release of ₹335 crore, including ₹290 crore under the Cheneta Cheyutha scheme, along with pending payments for weavers.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the efforts to establish the IIHT in Hyderabad. After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the institute was approved, setting aside political considerations. The institute will allow students from Telangana to study handloom technology within the state. It will start admissions this year at a temporary location in the vacant Telugu University building in Nampally.
In addition, students enrolling in the IIHT will receive full facilities and a monthly scholarship of ₹2,500 to support their education.
