What was the key reason behind the 'Sircilla Tragedy' involving powerloom workers in Andhra Pradesh?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer: Power tariff hikes and power cuts that reduced worker wages
Explanation
The Sircilla Tragedy refers to a series of distressing incidents in the late 1990s in Sircilla, a major textile hub in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, which is now part of Telangana. The primary cause was the severe economic crisis faced by powerloom weavers due to frequent power cuts and sharp increases in power tariffs. These operational constraints made it impossible for small-scale weavers to sustain production, leading to a drastic reduction in daily wages, mounting debts, and eventually, a wave of suicides among the impoverished working class.
Key Points
The Sircilla powerloom industry was heavily dependent on consistent electricity, and interruptions caused significant production losses. As production became unviable, weavers could not earn enough to cover basic living expenses, which pushed them into a debt trap. These incidents highlighted the lack of a robust safety net for unorganized sector workers, leading to subsequent demands for electricity subsidies and welfare measures for the weaver community.
Additional Facts
Sircilla is known as the Textile Town of Telangana, where a significant portion of the population relies on the powerloom industry for their livelihood. Following these tragic events, the state government eventually introduced various welfare schemes, such as electricity subsidies and modernization support for looms, to prevent further distress.
Important Questions
Question: Which state is Sircilla now located in after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh?
Answer: Sircilla is located in the state of Telangana.
Question: What is the primary industry in Sircilla?
Answer: The primary industry in Sircilla is the powerloom textile industry.