T.N. govt. sanctions ₹300 crore as first instalment for Pongal 2027 free dhoti, saree scheme

The Tamil Nadu government has accorded administrative approval for continuing the distribution of dhotis and sarees to ration cardholders, free of cost, for the Pongal festival next year. It has sanctioned ₹300 crore as the first instalment for the scheme.

A Government Order (G.O.) to this effect said it was estimated that ₹642.88 crore would be incurred for implementing the scheme. Of an allocation of ₹606.94 crore provided in the Budget Estimates for 2026-27, financial sanction had been accorded for the first instalment of ₹300 crore, it said.

Since 2013-14, no changes had been made to the quality specifications of the sarees supplied under the scheme. Following a recent consultative meeting with the Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi and senior officials, it was decided to introduce new varieties of dhotis and sarees for Pongal 2027. Going by the list of requirements received from the districts, a total of 2,27,83,417 sarees and 2,25,14,094 dhotis would be required, the G.O. said.

Since new varieties would be introduced, the stock of old varieties remaining with the Food Supply and Consumer Protection Department and the Handlooms Department after distribution for Pongal 2026 shall be given to beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Scheme during Deepavali, the G.O. added.