Powerloom weavers demand hike in wages for free dhoti, saree scheme - The HinduUpdated - September 13, 2026 11:11 pm IST - COIMBATOREPowerloom weavers in Tamil Nadu who weave saris and dhotis for free distribution in Tamil Nadu by the State government have demanded hike in wages.The Federation of Tamil Nadu Weavers’ Associations said, in a release, that 2.25 crore family card holders will get free saris/dhotis during Pongal next year. The government has given orders to powerloom and handloom weavers to make 1.7764 crore bleached dhotis (two metres each) and 1.7722 crore saris of 5.5 metres each.The State government has announced hike in wages for handloom weavers. Hence, those who will weave these saris and dhotis on powerlooms have asked for increase in wages to 18 paise a pick.Last year, the powerloom weavers were paid 11 paise a pick for dhotis (3.75 metres each) and 12.5 paise for a saree.The quality of the dhotis and saris to be made this year will be better.The Handlooms Department constituted a five-member committee last week to review the wages for handlooms, pedal looms and powerlooms. The committee is expected to visit the primary cooperative societies and interact with the weavers too from September 15 and submit a report to the government on September 18.As the quality and sturdiness of the dhotis and quality of the saris have been improved this year, the weavers will incur higher electricity costs. Further, with hike in raw material and labour costs, the powerloom units need better wages, the Federation said.Published - September 13, 2026 10:19 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }