No delay this Pongal; dhotis, saris to reach ration cardholders on time: TN minister M Vijay Balaji

ERODE: Following the Tamil Nadu government's approval to continue the free distribution of dhotis and saris to ration cardholders for Pongal next year, production under the scheme will begin soon, with the tender process completed, Minister M Vijay Balaji said on Saturday (August 22).

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Erode Corporation bus stand, the Tamil Nadu minister for Handlooms, Textiles, and Khadi said yarn sourced from government mills had already been supplied to local cooperative societies to facilitate production.

"The tender process for the free dhoti and sari scheme is complete, and yarn procurement has begun. Yarn has been supplied to the societies to ensure continuous employment for weavers. Unlike last year, there will be no delay. The free dhotis and saris will be distributed on schedule, ensuring timely wages for weavers," Balaji said.

He added that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had released Rs 300 crore as the initial allocation for the scheme.

In July, a government order estimated the cost of implementing the scheme at Rs 642.88 crore. Of the Rs 606.94 crore allocated for the scheme in the 2026-27 Budget Estimates, financial sanction had been accorded for the first instalment of Rs 300 crore, it said.

Responding to queries about a possible increase in weavers' wages, the minister said departmental officials had been instructed to examine the matter and take appropriate action.

Earlier, Balaji inaugurated seven mothers' feeding rooms set up with CSR funds at the Erode municipal bus stand and inspected basic civic and transport infrastructure along with the Corporation commissioner.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly had earlier witnessed debates over delays in procuring yarn for the Pongal Free Dhoti and Sari Scheme, with the Opposition alleging "procedural lapses" that had affected weavers.

The government, however, maintained that yarn procurement and distribution were proceeding smoothly to ensure timely delivery of the festival garments.