The Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to establish 2 leather units in Markapur and Krishna districts as part of its efforts to strengthen the livelihoods of traditional leather artisans. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a LIDCAP leather showroom cum outlet at the state Secretariat in Amaravati, reports Deccan Chronicles.

The new leather manufacturing units will be set up at Yadavalli in Markapur district and G. Konduru in Krishna district. The state government said the initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for members of the leather working community while improving their long term financial security.

Speaking to the media, Social Welfare Minister Dr Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said the government was working to restore LIDCAP to its former position while taking concrete steps to improve the welfare of leather artisans.

He said the government would establish leather manufacturing units at Yadavalli in Markapur district and G. Konduru in Krishna district to create employment for the leather working community.

BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha said the coalition government is committed to providing year-round employment and sustainable livelihoods for traditional artisans.

She said the government is supplying modern equipment to traditional caste based artisans to improve productivity while also working to strengthen their economic security.

The ministers inaugurated a LIDCAP leather showroom cum outlet in the fourth block of the State Secretariat at Velagapudi in Amaravati. According to the government, the outlet will make a wide range of leather products easily accessible to Secretariat employees and visitors.

Savitha said Secretariat employees will receive a 10% discount on leather products purchased from the showroom.

LIDCAP Chairman Pilli Manikya Rao said the corporation has introduced several initiatives for the development of leather artisans and is focusing on making high-quality leather products available to consumers.