Health Minister Urges Chief Minister to Introduce Handloom Award in Andhra Pradesh

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav suggests that the state should give annual awards on National Handloom Day, which falls on August 7. File | Photo credit: GN RAO

Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to introduce a state handloom award in Andhra Pradesh to recognize and promote the contribution of weavers and artisans who preserve the state’s rich handloom heritage.

In a letter to the Chief Minister on Wednesday, Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav described the tradition of handloom as a symbol of the state’s cultural identity, artistic excellence and a generation-old craft.

He noted that renowned weaving clusters like Dharmavaram, Uppada, Mangalagiri, Chirala, Pedana, Ponduru, Srikalahasti, Bobbili, Bhattiprolu and Madanapalle continue to maintain this heritage through the determination and skill of thousands of artisans.

The minister pointed out that while the Union Government recognizes outstanding contributions to the handloom industry through the National Handloom Awards, several states have introduced state-level awards to recognize local talent and promote excellence in traditional weaving.

Such initiatives, he said, helped foster innovation, enhance the dignity of artisans and inspire younger generations to take up the profession.

Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav suggested that the State Institute should give annual handloom awards at the state level and give them on the day of National Handloom Day which falls on 7th August.

The award, he said, would provide meaningful recognition to deserving weavers, designers and artisans across the state and boost their prospects for national level honors and other welfare initiatives.

He enclosed a statement submitted by Padma Shri awardee Gajam Anjaiah and Jinka Ramanjaneyulu, owner of JR Silk Sarees, Dharmavaram, seeking institution of State Handloom Awards in Andhra Pradesh.

Published – 17 Jun 2026 20:22 IST