No going back on polyester clothes distribution: Minister

Puducherry, Sep 5 (UNI) Social Welfare Minister M Kandasamy today categorically said there was no question of going back on the decision to supply polyester clothes to poor for Diwali through the Social Welfare Department.

Distributing welfare schemes under the Women and Child Development Department here, Mr Kandasamy recalled the protest from weavers when the announcement on free distribution of polyester clothes was made.

Since the legislators were not satisfied with the quality of the clothes distributed through the Cooperative Department (Pontex), the government announced it would stop procurement from Pontex and instead polyester clothes from open market would be purchased. The Minister said none could change his decision.

"Even if I remain a minister for a day, I would like to do the best for the people," he said.

Mr Kandasamy said clothes from Pontex could be distributed during Pongal if it was felt necessary.

He also said he had directed suspension of Adi Dravidar Students Hostel inmates who organised agitations and damaged the hostel building.

MLAs Anbazhagan, Anand and Anantharaman also expressed support to the minister on the polyester clothes issue.

UNI