Tamil Nadu fixes Pongal 2027 weaving wages for dhotis and saris

A Government Order issued by Tamil Nadu’s Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department has fixed the weaving wages for new varieties of dhotis and saris to be produced on powerlooms under the Pongal 2027 free distribution scheme.

The wages have been set at ₹45.76 per sari and ₹19.04 per dhoti.

The order was issued on October 15, 2026, after a committee constituted to assess production cost conducted a field study.

Committee cites higher costs and weavers’ livelihood

The committee’s recommendations took into account the rise in prices, the additional production cost and the livelihood of weavers.

The government has allocated ₹13.66 crore in the 2026-27 Budget to meet the additional expenditure arising from the scheme.

Under the programme, the government has ordered the production of 1.77 crore dhotis and 1.77 crore saris.

L.K.M. Suresh, president, Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerloom Associations, said the order fixed wages for the new varieties and did not amount to a general wage increase.

Association sought higher pick rates

The association had sought pick rates of 17 paise for saris and 18 paise for dhotis, citing the higher workload involved in producing them.

A pick is the horizontal thread inserted into fabric.

The rates were fixed at 13 paise for saris and 14 paise for dhotis, Mr. Suresh said.

He said the association was studying the rates and would decide its next course of action after holding a meeting with its members.

The wage decision therefore sets the payment structure for the quantities ordered under the Pongal 2027 scheme, while the powerloom association continues to examine whether the approved pick rates reflect the workload involved in producing the new varieties.

Source: The Hindu