Andhra Pradesh rolls out free electricity for handloom and powerloom weavers from 1 April 2026
Andhra Pradesh announced on 31 March 2026 that handloom weaver households get up to 200 units and powerloom units up to 500 units of free power a month from 1 April 2026.
Summary
The Andhra Pradesh government announced on 31 March 2026 that its free power scheme for weavers would start statewide from 1 April 2026. Handloom weaver households get up to 200 units and powerloom units up to 500 units of free electricity per month; use above the limit is charged at normal tariff. The scheme costs about ₹150 crore a year and is expected to benefit about 93,000 handloom households and 11,488 powerloom units, said Handlooms & Textiles Minister S. Savitha.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Free power for handloom weaver households and powerloom units
- Start
- 1 April 2026 (announced 31 March 2026)
- Handlooms
- Up to 200 units/month free
- Powerlooms
- Up to 500 units/month free
- Cost
- About ₹150 crore a year
- Beneficiaries
- About 93,000 handloom households + 11,488 powerloom units
- Minister
- S. Savitha, Handlooms & Textiles
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Under Andhra Pradesh's free power scheme for weavers starting 1 April 2026, how many units per month are free for handloom weaver households?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 200 units
Handloom weaver households get up to 200 units and powerloom units up to 500 units of free power per month.
Consider the following statements about Andhra Pradesh's free power scheme for weavers: 1. Powerloom units get up to 500 units of free electricity per month. 2. The estimated annual cost of the scheme is about ₹150 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Powerlooms get up to 500 units a month free, and the scheme's estimated annual cost is about ₹150 crore.
Who is the Andhra Pradesh minister for Handlooms & Textiles who announced the free power scheme for weavers in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — S. Savitha
Handlooms & Textiles Minister S. Savitha announced the rollout of the scheme.