Targets turning traditional activity into skilled trades

The State Government is gearing up to give incentives to washermen and barber communities by modernising their activity into skilled trades.

A file pertaining to reshaping of the two traditional occupations by supplying modern tools to them is pending for clearance by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. The Government had announced its intentions to revive the two occupations by equipping them with modern laundries and saloons with a huge subsidy of close to 80% while the remaining would be beneficiary contribution.

Senior officials said substantial budget had been set aside for the purpose and the Government was likely to take steps to ensure hassles-free loans for the beneficiaries who were financially not capable of contributing their share. An estimated 8.5 lakh members of the barber community and 3.5 lakh members of the washermen community were likely to benefit from the Government’s proposal.

An exhibition of modern laundry machines and equipment was organised a couple of months ago that was followed by invitation of expression of interest from manufacturers and suppliers of branded equipment. Officials said six multinationals had evinced interest in supplying the necessary material and tools for the two communities.

The process of selection of suppliers as also the beneficiaries would commence once the Chief Minister clears the file. “The file has been cleared by the department and we are hopeful that the Chief Minister will give his assent to it by Diwali,” an official said.