Weavers who make saris and dhotis for free distribution through the Public Distribution System outlets during Pongal are likely to see lesser order this year, which will affect their livelihood.
Close to 60,000 looms benefit from the State government’s free saree and dhoti scheme in the State. The demand of saris and dhotis for the scheme is estimated to be 1.77 crore each for distribution during Pongal 2026. However, the weavers supplied till December 2024 only 1.5 crore saris and almost an equal amount of dhotis. They have stock of 23.2 lakh saris and 19.6 lakh dhotis. The registered cooperative societies have a stock of 8.18 lakh saris and 13.3 lakh dhotis.
