Govt order ignored? TGSCO left struggling without key department orders

Failure of key departments to procure fabric from TGSCO, despite government orders, has put weavers at risk and may delay school uniform distribution, raising concerns over policy implementation and inter-departmental coordination

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Limited (TGSCO) is facing a setback due to a lack of coordination among government departments, leaving weavers in distress.

In March 2024, the State government issued GOMs No. 1, directing all departments, corporations, hospitals and public undertakings to procure cloth from TGSCO. The move was intended to support handloom weavers and strengthen their livelihoods. However, the Education Department has not placed its annual order for school uniform fabric with TGSCO this year. Instead, it plans to procure fabric through a centralised tendering process from private companies.

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This decision has raised concerns within the Handlooms Department. Officials say it could weaken TGSCO’s financial stability and directly impact weavers who depend on such orders. Traditionally, the Education Department places orders worth around Rs 105 crore between December and January. Similarly, welfare departments place orders worth about Rs 150 crore for uniforms and other items. This year, neither has placed orders with TGSCO so far.

Officials say that these decisions violate the government order and defeat its purpose. The policy was designed to ensure consistent demand for handloom products and provide income security to weavers.

A senior Handlooms Department official said the shift towards private procurement would hurt both TGSCO and cooperative societies. Around 20 percent of the required fabric is usually produced on handlooms, with the rest coming from powerlooms.

The delay in placing orders is also expected to affect the timely distribution of school uniforms in government schools. Normally, it takes up to three months for fabric production and stitching by self-help group women after orders are placed.

Officials warned that even if orders are placed now through private agencies, meeting the deadline for the upcoming academic year would be difficult.

The department has written to Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao, seeking a meeting to resolve the issue and ensure coordination among departments.