Tamil NaduFriday, 3 July 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu sanctions ₹300 crore first instalment for Pongal 2027 dhoti-saree scheme
Tamil Nadu approved ₹300 crore as the first instalment for the Pongal 2027 free dhoti and saree scheme, with an estimated total outlay of ₹642.88 crore.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, the Tamil Nadu government sanctioned ₹300 crore as the first instalment for the Pongal 2027 free dhoti and saree scheme, with an estimated total requirement of ₹642.88 crore.
Key specifics
- Budget Estimates for 2026-27 provided ₹606.94 crore for the scheme.
- The first instalment approved was ₹300 crore through a Government Order (G.O.).
- District requirements showed 2,27,83,417 sarees and 2,25,14,094 dhotis.
- The scheme has been in operation since 2013-14, with no change in saree quality specifications until now.
- Old stock after Pongal 2026 will be distributed to beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Scheme during Deepavali.
Exam lens
TNPSC economy-and-welfare scheme question, key facts: ₹300 crore first instalment, ₹642.88 crore estimated cost, 2,27,83,417 sarees, 2,25,14,094 dhotis, Pongal 2027. One-liner: match the scheme with the festival and the budget figures.