Tamil Nadu Government today announced free dhoti and saree scheme costing Rs 486.36 crore to the exchequer in view of the coming harvest festival of 'Pongal'.
As part of kick-starting the scheme, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam handed over the first set of free dhotis and sarees to seven families at the Secretariat, a government release said.
The scheme, which was formally introduced by late AIADMK Founder M G Ramachandran in 1983, benefitted the downtrodden besides giving jobs to those engaged in textile and handloom industries.
In view of Pongal, the government said it had allocated Rs 486.36 crore in which 3.24 crore sarees and dhotis would be given to the downtrodden under the scheme.
Textile Minister O S Manian, Revenue Minister R B Udhaya Kumar and senior government officials were present.
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