Hyderabad: The government will begin the distribution of 1.04 crore free saris for the Bathukamma festival for three days from Monday. About 52 lakh of these saris were procured from TS weavers, and the rest from Surat and elsewhere. The scheme costs Rs 222 crore.
Minister K.T. Rama Rao said the government would procure all saris from TS weavers from next year by placing orders in advance.
Nearly 7.5 crore metres of cloth was used to make the saris in 500 designs and colours inspired by the festival. The designs and colours were chosen by women officials from the Chief Minister’s Office. Textiles commissioner Sailaja Ramaiyyer led the team of officials that procured the saris.
Every woman aged 18 years and above, hailing from a family holding white ration card and Aadhaar, is eligible to receive the sari.
