Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, has decided to distribute improved-quality dhotis and sarees as part of the Pongal gift package this year. Nearly 2.23 crore ration cardholders across the state will receive the garments along with the festival gift hampers distributed through ration shops.
The state government has introduced a major design overhaul to make the garments more comfortable and visually appealing.
The new dhotis and sarees will feature modern gold-, silver- or copper-coloured polyester zari borders. In addition to the standard blue-and-white designs and the traditional blue, pink and ivory-white varieties, sarees will also be produced in vibrant green and other brighter colours, an official said on Thursday.
The sarees will be made using an improved polycot yarn with a higher polyester-to-cotton ratio, making the fabric softer, lighter and more breathable for summer wear, the official added.
Every year, rice-category ration cardholders receive one dhoti and one saree free of cost through the Public Distribution System (PDS), along with rice, sugarcane, cashew nuts, jaggery and cash assistance as part of the Pongal gift hamper.
The scheme is aimed at helping economically weaker families celebrate the harvest festival.
The Director of Handlooms and Textiles has been tasked with procuring the garments for distribution through PDS outlets. The state government has sanctioned ₹300 crore as the first instalment to begin procurement.
According to a government order, the scheme will be implemented at a total cost of ₹642.88 crore. A total of 2.27 crore dhotis and sarees will be produced, including those distributed free of cost to senior citizens receiving old-age pensions and other beneficiaries of the Social Welfare Department.
The official said that beginning procurement well in advance would ensure continuous employment for handloom weavers for nearly six months ahead of the Pongal festival, while also supporting more than five lakh textile workers across the state.
