Chennai, 18 Oct 2026 : We a ve rs engaged in producing free dhotis and sarees for Pongal 2027 will receive higher wages, with the Tamil Nadu Government issuing a Government Order sanctioning an addi tional Rs 13.66 crore for the revision. The revised rates cover pedal loom and power loom workers involved in the scheme.
Handlooms and Textiles Minister Vijay Balaji announced the decision on Friday after attending a community baby shower programme at Pernambut in the Gudiyatham Assembly constituency.
Under the revised wage structure, power loom weavers will receive Rs 54.81 for each saree and Rs 23.34 for each dhoti.
Pedal loom weavers will be paid Rs 125.72 per saree and Rs 49.99 per dhoti. The Minister said production of free dhotis and sarees for distribution during Pongal was progress ing at a brisk pace across the state.
Following represen tations seeking higher wages, the issue was taken up with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who held consul tations with depart ment officials and weavers before approv ing the revision.
The Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department subsequently issued a Government Order authorising the wage increase.
According to the order, the additional expenditure of Rs 13.66 crore will be met from the allocation made for the free dhoti and saree distribution scheme in the 2026- 27 State Budget. The Director of Handlooms has been authorised to utilise the funds for implement ing the revised rates.
Vijay Balaji said the wage revision was intended to improve the earnings of weavers ahead of Pongal. He also said pending payments to coopera tive weaving societies had been released following requests from the societies. Earlier, the Minister participated in a com munity baby shower programme at Pernam but, where he presented traditional gifts to pregnant women. Gudiyatham MLA Sindhu, Katpadi MLA Sudhakar, Vellore MLA Vinoth Kannan, District Collector Leela Alex and other officials attended the programme.