Andhra Pradesh - Cuddapah   

Credit cards for artisans on May 4

Staff Reporter

Chief Minister to distribute cards during visit to the district

B. Anjan Raju

CUDDAPAH: Artisans will be issued credit cards, on which they can draw credit up to Rs. 30,000 each through ATMs for purchase of raw material, according to the Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation, Bandaru Anjan Raju.

At a press conference here on Friday, he said the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, would distribute credit cards to artisans during his visit to the district on May 4. A paper manufacture unit using banana fibre as raw material was being planned at Kodur, he said.

The Collector, Jayesh Ranjan, assured free allotment of land for the unit.

Raw material purchase

Banana fibre that is as fine as silk would be used to make sarees, mats, handbags, etc., to generate additional income to horticulturists who could sell banana leaves and fruit, he said.

Nearly 120 handloom weavers of Kolimela in Simhadripuram mandal worked for meagre wages of Rs. 25 per metre for weaving silk sarees costing Rs. 750 a metre, he lamented. Artisan credit cards could be used to purchase raw material, he said.

Mr. Raju assured setting up of a Lepakshi emporium at Cuddapah with an outlay of Rs. 50 lakhs to market handicrafts. Artisans of Vanipenta who make brass and copper articles have been trained to make flower vases, candle stands, etc., which have demand abroad, he said. Women of Chitvel who were adept at Kalamkari artwork were also imparted training, he said.

He assured old-age pension to artisans crossing 60 years of age, if they applied to the corporation. An action plan to develop handicrafts of the district, which did not gain popularity, was being readied, he added.

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