Tamil Nadu launches free distribution of saree, dhoti scheme

Chennai, Jan 1 (ANI) : Tamil Nadu Government on Friday launched a free dhoti and saree distribution scheme for the people living below the poverty line (BPL) ahead of the popular Pongal festival.

Over 30 million people living below the poverty line would benefit under the scheme, which is being implemented at an expenditure of 256 billion rupees.

Chief Minster M Karunanidhi inaugurated the scheme.

Addressing the media on the occasion, Karunanidhi said his government initiated this scheme for the welfare of the most downtrodden people of the society.

"This gift is for the most downtrodden people of the society who don't even have clothing for themselves and at least during the festival time that the basic needs must be fulfilled. And it was only because of this good will we introduced this scheme," said Karunanidhi.

Pongal is celebrated on January 14 coinciding with the meridian solar transit on the globe. (ANI)