The National Textile Research Institute and the Handloom Export Promotion Council should also be set up in Telangan, he requested.

Telangana industries minister KT Rama Rao has urged the Indian government to allocate enough funds for the state’s textile sector in the next budget. As there are 40,000 handloom workers in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Gadwal, Warangal, Rajanna-Sircilla and Karimnagar districts, Rama Rao requested establishing the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in the state

Weavers from the state have to visit other states for training, he said.

He also urged union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to waive off the goods and services tax (GST) on handloom and textile products, according to media reports from the state.

He demanded funds from the central government for the modernisation of looms, strengthening the value chain and development of the market for Sircilla textile weavers. These projects need ₹990 crore.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)