Powerloom weavers demand hike in wages for free dhoti, saree scheme
Powerloom weavers in Tamil Nadu are demanding a wage increase for producing free dhotis and sarees for a government welfare scheme. The weavers cite increased production costs and higher quality requirements as the primary reasons for their request.
Why it matters
This highlights the economic tensions between government welfare procurement policies and the labor costs of small-scale textile manufacturers.
Powerloom weavers in Tamil Nadu who weave sarees 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 sarees/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 sarees of 5.5 metres each.
The State government has announced hike in wages for handloom weavers. Hence, those who will weave these sarees 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 sarees to be made this year will be better.
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