Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced that 1.04 crore saris would be distributed among women older than 18 who hold white ration cards. The saris will be distributed free for three days from September 18 ahead of the Bathukamma festivities.
Mr Rao said this decision would benefit women from poorer sections besides weavers, after reviewing the scheme with officials at Pragathi Bhavan.
Officials have identified 1,04,57,610 beneficiaries who will be eligible for the scheme.
Mr Rao said the saris were being purchased from powerloom and handloom sectors to support the weavers and workers.
All those possessing ration cards as on August 1 are eligible to avail the benefit. In case a beneficiary cannot come to the distribution centre for any reason, her family members can take it on her behalf by showing ID card like Aadhaar or EPIC.
“People in Telangana celebrate Bathukamma and Dasara cutting across religious and caste lines. This is a state festival. Bathukamma festival is an integral part of Telangana life and culture. This festival is a symbol of family relationships. The state government has decided to distribute saris on this occasion to enable people to celebrate the festival with more enthusiasm. We have distributed clothes to Muslims on Id-ul-Fitr and Christians on Christmas. For Bathukamma festival, we have decided to gift saris to all poor women,” he said.
“The plight of workers dependent on handloom and powerloom sectors is pathetic. Due to lack of work, some workers have even committed suicide. The government is trying to change this situation. We are purchasing saris from them, as it would provide jobs. This would create employment, which in turn gives confidence,” he said.
Chief Secretary S.P. Singh held a video conference with collectors to work out the modalities.
