‘Dhotis procured for Pongal cleared all quality checks’

In a statement, the minister condemned the BJP leader’s claims, stating that it was inappropriate for a person holding a responsible political position to make unfounded allegations for political gain. He clarified that a batch of 13 lakh dhotis was rejected by procuring agencies due to excessive polyester content beyond the permissible limit.

Gandhi emphasized that the Dravidian model government prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and dismissed any attempts to discredit its initiatives. He further explained that procurement orders for 1.77 crore sarees and dhotis were issued on August 27 and October 23, 2024, and the stock was manufactured by handloom and power-loom weaver cooperative societies.

Detailing the procurement process, he stated that different types of yarn were sourced from cooperative mills, the National Handloom Development Corporation, and the open market, adhering to the Tender Transparency Act of 1998 and 2000. The quality of the yarn was scrutinized by the Powerloom Service Centre-SITRA, while certified testing labs and textile committees provided clearance.

Gandhi assured that all products manufactured by weavers underwent rigorous quality checks at Co-Optex warehouses, Tamil Nadu Handloom Development Corporation, and Tamil Nadu Mills Association facilities. Only items that met quality standards were sent to Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation warehouses for distribution.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and quality, the minister stated that such politically motivated accusations would not succeed in tarnishing the administration’s efforts.