Collector C. Kathiravan said that production of 57.37 lakh saris and 57.23 lakh dhotis for distribution to ration cardholders across the State for Pongal was in full swing in the district.
On Wednesday, he along with officials of Handloom Department inspected the production activities at Bhavani Primary Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society. Addressing media persons, Mr. Kathiravan said that the State Government was distributing free dhotis and saris to the cardholders during Pongal every year of which 60% of the material was produced in the district.
During Pongal 2018, 57.71 lakh saris and 62.85 lakh dhotis were produced in the district and the target for 2019 was 57.37 lakh saris and 57.23 lakh dhotis.
There were 190 handloom cooperative societies in the district with 64,019 members who produced bed sheets, bed spreads, towels and pillow cover with handicraft.
The Collector said that 9,724 weavers in the district were receiving 200 units of free electricity and also receiving various benefits under various schemes.
A total of 5,303 weavers were receiving old age pension and 384 beneficiaries receiving family pension. Thus, a total of 5,687 beneficiaries were receiving Rs. 56.87 lakh assistance every month, he added.

www.thehindu.com