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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
ODOP: Andhra Pradesh government gets awards for ten products
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh has earned national acclaim by bagging 10 prestigious awards under the One District – One Product (ODOP) initiative, highlighting its rich handlooms, handicrafts, and agricultural heritage. Special Chief Secretary (Handlooms and Textiles) RP Sisodia announced that seven awards were clinched for handloom and handicraft products, two for agriculture-based products, and one in the interstate ODOP category. The awards will be presented by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal at a ceremony at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The award-winning products include Bobbili Veena (Vizianagaram), Etikoppaka toys (Anakapalli), Peddapuram silk sarees (Kakinada), Chirala silk sarees (Bapatla), Venkatagiri sarees (Tirupati), Narasapur crochet lace (West Godavari), and Dharmavaram silk sarees (Sri Sathya Sai district). From the agricultural sector, Guntur chilli and Srikakulam cashew were recognised. The interstate ODOP award details will be revealed during the ceremony. Collectors and artisans from the respective districts have already gone to New Delhi to receive the awards.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh bags 10 awards under ODOP initiative
Vijayawada: In a significant achievement, Andhra Pradesh has bagged ten prestigious awards under the 'One District – One Product' (ODOP) initiative. Special chief secretary (handlooms and textiles), RP Sisodia said that seven of these awards were bagged by handloom and handicraft products, while two were awarded to agriculture-based products. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In addition, the state received another award in the inter-state ODOP category. Awards will be presented at the national ceremony scheduled to be held on Monday in New Delhi. "Awards are a result of focused efforts by the state govt under the leadership of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who has prioritized the revival and promotion of traditional crafts and rural livelihoods. The Bobbili Veena from Vizianagaram, Etikoppaka toys from Anakapalli, Peddapuram silk sarees from Kakinada, Chirala silk sarees from Bapatla, Venkatagiri sarees from Tirupati, Narasapur crochet lace from West Godavari, and Dharmavaram silk sarees from Sri Sathya Sai district among the award-winning handloom and handicraft products," Sisodia told TOI. He explained that Guntur chilli and cashew from Srikakulam have also received ODOP honours under the agriculture category. He said that district collectors and skilled artisans from respective districts have already departed to New Delhi to receive the awards. Sisodia expressed happiness that within just one year of the coalition govt taking charge, the state has earned national-level recognition through ten ODOP awards. "The state govt is actively working to bring more products under the ODOP framework. Chief minister Naidu has already raised the issue with the central govt, seeking recognition for banana from Kadapa, tomato from Chittoor, and groundnut from Anantapur under the ODOP scheme. The objective is to ensure that each district in Andhra Pradesh is represented with a signature product, which will promote local industries and empower producers," said Sisodia.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Apco employees to get 2022 PRC benefits
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Handlooms Weavers Cooperative Society (Apco) has announced the implementation of the 2022 Pay Revision Commission (PRC) for its employees. This decision, expected to benefit permanent staff, was a key outcome of the governing body meeting held on Wednesday at the Apco central office. The meeting, chaired by R P Sisodia, special chief secretary, handlooms and textiles department, saw thorough discussions on various issues concerning handloom workers and the cooperative's growth. 'Despite the financial challenges faced by Apco, the institution is focused on developing a comprehensive action plan for its growth while addressing employee aspirations,' said Sisodia. He confirmed that revised salaries would be given to employees starting now. Further enhancing employee benefits, the board also approved a proposal allowing staff to monetise 15 days of earned leave annually. Apco managing director Vishwam Manoharan said that the board endorsed several strategic decisions for the institution's progress. Among these, an action plan will be formulated based on a comprehensive report by the Indian Institute of Management, which conducted a study on Apco's operations. In a bid to boost sales and reach, Manoharan announced plans to modernise Apco's website to promote global sales. He also stated that products from both Apco and Lepakshi (another state-run handicrafts emporium) would be made available in each other's showrooms, an initiative welcomed by the board. Additionally, it was resolved to release pending dues to cooperative societies. G Rekha Rani, commissioner for handlooms and textiles, reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring better wages for handloom workers. NABARD AGM Milind Chousalkar, Apcob CGM Narra Venkat Ratnam, NCDC regional director Goswami, and industries department deputy secretary Neetla Veera Vijaya Kumari (who joined online) and others took part in the meeting.
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Special Secy stresses on modernising APCO, Lepakshi
Vijayawada: Special Chief Secretary (Handlooms and Textiles) RP Sisodia emphasised the need to modernise and transform the APCO and Lepakshi organisations into vibrant, profitable, and globally competitive entities. He presided over a high-level review meeting at the APCO Central Office here. The meeting focused on evaluating the current status and charting a forward-looking strategy for the two AP's flagship institutions dedicated to the promotion of handlooms and handicrafts. Managing Director Viswa Kumar gave a detailed presentation on operations, challenges, and new opportunities for expansion. Sisodia laid out a series of strategic directives, beginning with the integration of all product lines under a single retail roof through unified, multi-brand showrooms. This would enable a consolidated brand identity and a more attractive experience for customers, promoting cross-selling and greater footfall. Sisodia directed the immediate development of a mobile marketing application and a WhatsApp-based marketing strategy to engage customers directly. In order to explore new revenue streams, Sisodia proposed allowing private advertising within showroom spaces, which could be monetised without disrupting retail ambience. A crucial financial reform discussed was the appointment of a single banker to handle all transactions, preferably one that could provide CSR contributions, lower interest rates, and free software for financial and operational management. He also stressed the adoption of a double entry system of accounting to ensure transparency, accuracy, and better financial discipline across departments. To extend the global footprint of Andhra Pradesh's traditional crafts, Sisodia also called for the export of handloom and handicraft products to international markets, especially the United States, where a large Indian Diaspora exists with strong interest in heritage and handmade products. APCO general managers Nageswara Rao and Raja Rao and Lepakshi senior manager Venkateswara Rao also participated.
