The Tamil Nadu government has fixed weaving wages for the new varieties of dhotis and saris to be made on powerlooms under the Pongal 2027 free distribution scheme at ₹45.76 per sari and ₹19.04 per dhoti.

A Government Order, issued by the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department on October 15, 2026 said the wages were fixed after a committee constituted to assess production cost undertook a field study. Its recommendations factored in the rise in prices, additional production cost, and the livelihood of weavers. The government has provided ₹13.66 crore in the 2026-27 Budget to meet the additional expenditure. It has ordered production of 1.77 crore dhotis and 1.77 crore saris under the scheme.

L.K.M. Suresh, president, Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerloom Associations, said the order set wages for new varieties and was not for a general wage increase. The association had sought pick (horizontal thread inserted in fabric) rates of 17 paise for saris and 18 paise for dhotis, citing the higher workload. But they were fixed at 13 paise and 14 paise respectively, he said. Mr. Suresh said the association was studying the rates and would decide on its next course of action after holding a meeting with its members.