Hyderabad: Handlooms Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Thursday ordered a probe into the understatement made by the officials of his Ministry on the production capacity of Telangana there by causing a scam of about Rs 90 crore.

Speaking to media persons, Jupally said the annual production capacity of Telangana’s handlooms was about 1.15 crore metres.  However, by stating that the capacity was just 40 lakh metres, the officials purchased handlooms from other States and private companies. He said that the requirement of schools alone was of 1.20 crore metres. He said by giving these understatements, the officials had indulged in a scam of nearly Rs 90 crore.

Jupally said that the State government had ordered a detailed probe into the matter. He said some officials did not even consider the fact that several handloom weavers were committed suicide in the State and acted in an inhuman manner. He assured stern action against the erring officials.