The decision to provide four-muzham veshtis instead of the existing eight-muzham veshtis under the Pongal free dhoti scheme came under criticism in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday.
DMK MLA Austin, speaking during a calling-attention motion, said the scheme was introduced in 1983 by then Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran for the welfare of handloom weavers and was subsequently continued by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Austin alleged that the latest government decision would adversely affect weavers who depend on the scheme for employment throughout the year. He said adequate consultations had not been held with beneficiaries or weavers’ cooperative societies before the change.
He claimed that eight-muzham veshtis worth around Rs.50 crore had already been woven and remained unsold across Nagercoil, Cuddalore, Tiruchengode, Salem and Kancheepuram ranges, including stock worth Rs.7 crore in the Nagercoil range.
Austin also said changes in yarn and width specifications under the new government order had forced weavers to modify their looms. He urged the government to immediately procure the unsold stock and temporarily withdraw the order.
Replying, Minister Vijay Balaji said the government’s objective was to provide people with products of their choice and good quality. He said a saree with zari would also be distributed for Pongal and claimed that people preferred four-muzham veshtis over eight-muzham ones.
