Free sarees distribution to start in Hyderabad under Indira Mahila Shakti scheme

Distribution Details

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will launch the distribution of free sarees to women under the Indira Mahila Shakti scheme on the 19th of this month near the Indira Gandhi statue on Necklace Road in Hyderabad. The state government has set aside 334 crore rupees for this free saree distribution project for the year 2026. While the previous sarees featured a palapitta color, officials have chosen a parrot green color with a red zari border this time. Production of these sarees started as early as April in Siricilla alongside 13 other centers. The government aims to distribute a total of 95 lakh sarees, and workers have already finished making 65 lakh of them. Authorities have already shipped these completed items to various districts. Although workers finished more than half of the sarees nearly two months ago, the state cabinet decided during a meeting on Thursday to time the distribution to coincide with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Eligibility and Process

Officials will give these sarees to women in families holding white ration cards over a period of one week. The government has prepared a special mobile application to manage the distribution process. Women must show their Aadhaar cards to panchayat officials either at the distribution centers or directly at their homes. Staff will take a photo through the application and distribute the sarees after verifying the details. The state has handed the distribution duties over to staff from the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development department along with SERP employees.

Context

Free distribution of clothing items is a common welfare measure used by various state governments in India to support low-income households during festive seasons or special occasions. White ration cards typically identify families living below the poverty line who qualify for subsidized food grains and other government benefits. Utilizing technology like mobile apps and Aadhaar verification helps ensure that welfare supplies reach the intended beneficiaries directly and transparently.