The elections have come as a boon for powerloom weavers of Sircilla textile town. They are doing brisk business for a change, having secured huge orders for party flags, banners, shawls, caps etc.
The weavers work in coordination with the dyeing and processing units, and the screen printers.
Printing of party flags first started in 1978 by a trader called Ram Balram in Sircilla. Since then, whenever elections are held in the State, powerloom weavers receive huge orders. The printing of election material of political parties provides employment to around 250 weavers and another 1,000 women, who are engaged in stitching party flags and ‘thoranam’ flags. The weavers charge anywhere between Rs. 35 and Rs. 100 for a banner, the shawls are priced anywhere between Rs. 5 and Rs. 10 and caps anywhere between Rs. 7 and Rs.10. However, middlemen are able to make greater profits. A trader, Vishwanathan, said, “We do not get direct business from political parties. The middlemen in Hyderabad give us orders and we supply accordingly. Even then, it is a good time for us as we can make some extra money.”
