The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Powerloom weavers pour out their cup of woes

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Sunday, Sep 21, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Powerloom weavers pour out their cup of woes

K.M. Dayashankar

Chiranjeevi pays surprise visit to Sircilla

Powerloom weavers complain of exploitation and underpayment by owners
Security forces have a tough time controlling people at the public meeting

Photo: Uppu Damodar.

Loads of sympathy: Praja Rajyam founder Chiranjeevi interacting with weaver families in Sircilla in Karimnagar district on Saturday. —

SIRCILLA (KARIMNAGAR DT): Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi was touched by the plight of the families of powerloom weavers of Sircilla town, known as ‘Sholapur of Andhra’, during his maiden visit here on Saturday.

This surprise visit was his first after launching the party in August. He visited families of Donthula Vishwanatham, Dasara Poshadri, Gudeti Rajamallu, Bura Kankaiah, who committed suicide, by traversing through the dingy lanes of Baddam Yellareddy (BY) Nagar and Sundaraiah Nagar slums.

The PR founder interacted with the widows and their children by sitting on the floor in the ill-illuminated and poorly ventilated small houses passing through narrow lanes in the slums. He enquired from the widows what had forced their men to commit suicide and about their living conditions. He was moved when the widows complained that they were eking out their livelihood by rolling beedies and forcing their children to become child labourers.

Turns emotional

Mr. Chiranjeevi became emotional when the bereaved families and the orphaned children fell at his feet and wailed inconsolably.

He also visited a powerloom centre and observed the production of cloth besides interacting with the weavers to know about their living conditions and wages.

The weavers complained about being exploitation by owners by giving them lesser wage. They also complained about the frequent power cuts and non-availability of yarn.

As news spread about his arrival, people gathered in large numbers to have a glimpse of their favourite matinee idol. People came from far-flung places to the Padmanayaka kalyana mandapam where he addressed a huge gathering.

Police and the Mr. Chiranjeevi’s private security force had a tough time in controlling the surging crowds.

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