Association urges Admn to procure handloom clothes

Puducherry, Jan 4 (UNI) The Pontex Workers Association today urged the Puducherry Administration to take immediate steps to procure the clothes manufactured by the Pontex.

Talking to newspersons here, Association Honorary President and CITU leader T Murugan said Pontex had manufactured dhotis, sarees and other textile items worth Rs 12 crore for Diwali on a direction from the government.

However, it was yet to be procured by the government, he said, adding that massive agitations would be organised if the government failed to procure it before the Pongal festival.

He criticised Welfare Minister M Kandasamy for announcing that low quality handloom clothes would not be procured and polyester clothes would be given priority.

He also alleged that sales of handloom clothes have declined during this Diwali season after the minister's comment on low quality of handloom products.

UNI PAB DS 1430