---
title: "Andhra Pradesh to Legislate BC Protections as Naidu Debuts Netanna Sevalo Scheme"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/naidu-launches-netanna-sevalo-bc-protection-law-andhra-hl5fj
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-07T11:49:39.000Z
modified: 2026-08-07T14:01:51.821Z
language: en-IN
---

# Andhra Pradesh to Legislate BC Protections as Naidu Debuts Netanna Sevalo Scheme

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a forthcoming law to safeguard Backward Classes during the 12th National Handloom Day in Chirala. The government simultaneously initiated the Netanna Sevalo program, distributing 179 crore rupees to support over 71,000 handloom households.

## Key takeaways

- Andhra Pradesh is drafting new legislation specifically designed to protect the interests of Backward Classes.
- The Netanna Sevalo scheme provides 25,000 rupees in direct financial aid to over 71,000 eligible weaving families.
- A major 4,200 crore rupee textile recycling plant will be established in Visakhapatnam to modernize the sector.
- Weavers over age 50 now qualify for monthly pensions of 4,000 rupees under the NTR Pension Bharosa initiative.

## Strategic Support for the Handloom Sector

Addressing the 12th National Handloom Day at Kothapeta in Bapatla district, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed the completion of a draft law intended to protect the interests of Backward Classes (BCs). The Chief Minister asserted that the coalition government will formalize this legislation soon, emphasizing a dual focus on social welfare and economic growth despite existing fiscal constraints.

During the event, Naidu inaugurated the Netanna Sevalo scheme, a welfare initiative targeting the state's weaving community. The administration disbursed 179 crore rupees under this program, providing individual grants of 25,000 rupees to 71,536 eligible families. The Chief Minister characterized handloom weaving as a vital cultural asset, identifying key production centers in Venkatagiri, Dharmavaram, Uppada, Mangalagiri, Ponduru, Pedana, Srikalahasti, and Narsapuram as pillars of the state's heritage.

## Fiscal Allocations and Infrastructure Development

Data provided by the state indicates that approximately 1.27 lakh individuals rely on the handloom industry. To mitigate operational costs, the government offers 200 units of free monthly electricity to handloom families and 500 units to power loom operations, a measure benefiting more than 72,000 units. Furthermore, the NTR Pension Bharosa scheme now extends 4,000 rupee monthly pensions to 85,000 workers aged 50 and older, totaling an annual commitment of 420 crore rupees.

Industrial expansion efforts include a 4,200 crore rupee textile recycling facility slated for Visakhapatnam. The government has also allocated 79 crore rupees in cash credit to 109 primary cooperative societies and sanctioned 10 clusters under the Small Cluster Development Programme. Development projects are currently underway in Uppada and Mangalagiri, complemented by the establishment of a dedicated handloom and handicrafts museum in Shakhamuru, Amaravati.

## Regional Revival and Industrial Partnerships

Naidu outlined a vision to restore Chirala's reputation as a textile hub, referring to the region as "Mini Mumbai." The plan involves a 97 crore rupee tourism corridor under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, linking Surya Lanka, Bapatla, and the Chirala coastline. To boost market reach, the state signed agreements with four entities, including Fabindia, to promote local handloom products. During his visit, the Chief Minister also addressed political challenges, accusing opposition factions of using litigation and controversy to stall progress, specifically citing recent disputes regarding the Mega DSC recruitment process.

## Key Facts

- The government released 179 crore rupees to assist 71,536 handloom families via the Netanna Sevalo scheme.
- A sustainable textile recycling unit involving a 4,200 crore rupee investment is planned for Visakhapatnam.
- Handloom workers aged 50 and above receive 4,000 rupees monthly through the NTR Pension Bharosa scheme.
- Free electricity is provided up to 200 units for handloom households and 500 units for power looms.
- Ten handloom clusters have been approved at a cost of 10 crore rupees under small-scale development initiatives.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/naidu-launches-netanna-sevalo-bc-protection-law-andhra-hl5fj
Reported from: The Hindu — National