AP Greenlights Free Power for Weavers, Pension Age Lowered to 50

• Andhra Pradesh government approves free electricity scheme for handloom and power loom weavers, effective April 1.
• Handlooms to receive up to 200 units free electricity (benefiting 93,000 families), power looms up to 500 units (benefiting 10,500 families).
• Weaver pension age reduced from 60 to 50 years, with pension amount increased from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000.
• Government provides 15% subsidy on yarn, clears Rs. 7 crore dues to APCO, and releases Rs. 1.67 crore for Thrift Fund.
• New infrastructure includes Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam, textile parks in Yemmiganur, Rayadurgam, Mylavaram, Pamidi, and mega clusters in Mangalagiri, Dharmavaram, and Pithapuram.

Why It Matters: Andhra Pradesh government launches comprehensive support for weavers, including free electricity and enhanced pensions.