Date:25/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/25/stories/2006012506810400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Weavers seek ex gratia for suicide deaths

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Weavers in the State have demanded ex-gratia of Rs. 1.5 lakhs to each family of 180 weavers who committed suicide since the Congress Party assumed office.

In a representation submitted to Governor Sushil Kumar Shinde here on Tuesday, Y. Venkanna, convener, Handloom Weavers' Awareness Forum, urged the Government to pay the ex-gratia amount to the weavers, as was given to the families of farmers. He also sought a special package for the benefit of weavers so that the handloom sector could be sustained.

Mr. Shinde assured the delegation that he would bring their demands to the Government's notice.