ERODE: The tender for the procurement of yarn to manufacture free dhotis and sarees for the Pongal festival has been finalised, said M Vijay Balaji, Minister for Handloom and Textile, in Erode on Saturday.
Weavers involved in the production of dhotis and sarees for the Pongal festival have been complaining that there is a delay in starting production, as yarn has not yet been released from government cooperative spinning mills. In this backdrop, the minister has clarified that the tender for the procurement of yarn for this scheme has been finalised.
While addressing reporters in Erode, M Vijay Balaji said, "The tender for procuring yarn for the production of free dhotis and sarees has been finalised. Furthermore, about one tonne of yarn is being procured from private suppliers and distributed through cooperative societies, following which production of dhotis has already commenced. The state government has allocated Rs 300 crore, in the first phase, for the scheme. Unlike last year, production has started well in advance this year, and the government will ensure that the dhotis and sarees reach the people before Pongal."
Some people have been criticising the government without being aware of these developments, he added.
Regarding the demand of weavers to increase wages for weaving dhotis and sarees, the minister said, "A decision will be taken shortly. Efforts will also be made to obtain the additional funds from the government for implementing the wage hike."
Earlier in the day, minister Vijay Balaji inspected the Central Bus Stand.