The recent shift in power in Telangana has raised concerns for countless women dependent on the Bathukamma saree scheme, a vital initiative established by the former BRS government. This scheme, which provided free sarees to impoverished women for six years, was integral to the celebration of the Bathukamma festival, a cherished cultural event in Telangana.
Launched in 2017 by former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR), the Bathukamma saree scheme aimed to alleviate the financial burden on women during this nine-day floral festival. Each year, around one crore sarees, available in diverse designs and colors, were distributed, ensuring women could celebrate without monetary worries. The initiative also supported local weavers from regions like Sircilla, Karimnagar, and Warangal, providing them with regular employment and a stable income.
However, since the Congress government took office, the distribution of sarees has stalled. Weavers and workers reliant on this scheme are now voicing their concerns, urging the new administration to resume orders to sustain their livelihoods. Although Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced a plan to distribute two sarees each to 63 lakh Self Help Group (SHG) members—totaling about 1.3 crore sarees annually—there is uncertainty regarding the inclusion of other poor women in this initiative. Furthermore, orders for these sarees have yet to be placed, creating anxiety as the Bathukamma festival approaches.
The opposition is interpreting these developments as part of a broader agenda to erase the previous government’s legacy. If this move is indeed politically motivated, it is the vulnerable women of Telangana who will ultimately suffer the consequences.
Rishi