HYDERABAD: The state government has been distributing clothes to Muslims on Ramzaan and Christians on Christmas. Likewise, the government has decided to give sarees to women belonging to the below poverty line, during Bathukamma festival, from this year onwards. The free gift of saree will not only be given to Hindu women, but also women belonging to all other religions. The state government will spend `200 crore on the proposed saree distribution scheme.
“The plight of workers dependent on handloom and power loom sectors is pathetic. Due to lack of work, some workers have even committed suicide. The government is trying to change the situation. Hence we are purchasing sarees from them, as it would provide employment to the workers. This would create employment guarantee, which in turn gives confidence. By distribution of sarees, there will be more happiness among women and there will be happiness among the workers that they are getting employment,” the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said, while holding a review on the free distribution of sarees at Pragati Bhavan here on Friday.
Orders have already been placed for the procurement of 1,04,57,610 sarees. They are under weaving process. These sarees will reach the district headquarters from the making units in the second week of September. From the district centres they will be transported to the ration shops and the distribution will take place on September 18, 19 and 20. In case a woman beneficiary cannot come to the ration shop, her husband or father or mother can take it. In the ration shop, the beneficiaries should show their Aadhar or voter identity card or any other identity card.