SchemesMonday, 31 August 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Pongal scheme to give 4-mulam washed dhotis instead of 8-mulam dhotis
Tamil Nadu will distribute 4-mulam washed dhotis for Pongal, replacing the 8-mulam dhotis, after public demand and departmental consultation.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, Tamil Nadu Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi Minister Vijay Balaji announced that the Pongal scheme will distribute 4-mulam washed dhotis, replacing the earlier 8-mulam dhotis, after public demand and consultation with officials and weavers.
Key specifics
- 4-mulam dhotis are about 1.8 to 2 metres in length.
- The change was made for the Pongal distribution scheme in Tamil Nadu.
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was informed of the public request for 4-mulam dhotis.
- Officials held a meeting to elicit public views before finalising the decision.
- The government also said orders had already been placed for dhotis and saris.
Exam lens
Question type: Scheme and state policy fact-check, key facts: 4-mulam = about 1.8 to 2 metres, Pongal distribution, Minister Vijay Balaji, CM C. Joseph Vijay. TNPSC one-liner: Which Tamil Nadu welfare scheme changed the dhoti length from 8-mulam to 4-mulam in 2026?