Telangana: Silver Coins or Cash Likely to Replace Bathukamma Saris This Year

While the BRS government claimed that the sari distribution scheme had benefited local weavers and celebrated the cultural essence of Bathukamma, there were widespread complaints about the poor quality of the saris. In some areas, women protested, refusing to accept the saris or repurposing them for non-festive uses.

Taking these factors into account, the Congress government is exploring alternative options, such as providing silver coins or cash to BPL women, while doing away with saris. According to sources, a proposal is being considered to distribute 5-gram or 10-gram silver coins, or an equivalent cash amount.

Saris were given to women from BPL families, who hold white ration cards during the Bathukamma festival. For seven consecutive years, the BRS government distributed over one crore saris annually, with a budget allocation of approximately ₹330 crore to ₹350 crore. The saris were primarily produced in Sircilla with additional production in Karimnagar and Warangal, and featured a variety of designs and colours commemorating the festive spirit.

However, since the Congress assumed office in December 2023, there has been growing speculation that the scheme might be scrapped or significantly altered. Although there has been no official announcement, as yet, the absence of sari-making orders to weavers, even as mid-August approaches, has fueled these speculations.

Traditionally, orders were placed by January, allowing weavers ample time to produce and deliver them by September, ahead of the Bathukamma festival, which typically falls in October.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who is currently on a trip to the United States, is expected to return on August 14. Upon his return, the government is likely to convene a meeting to make a final decision on the future of the saris scheme.

As the Bathukamma festival, slated for October 1 to 9, approaches, women await the government's decision, which could mark a significant shift in how the festival is celebrated by BPL families across Telangana.