AI SummarySupply of Dhotis and Sarees to Scheduled Caste (SC) People is a welfare scheme by the Government of Puducherry that gives free clothing to eligible Scheduled Caste families. It offers lungis, shirts, sarees and blouses to yellow and red ration card holders from the SC community living in the Union Territory.
Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department runs this scheme. For Pongal 2026, the department is also giving cash assistance in place of free dhoti and saree to eligible SC and ST families, so the scheme continues to support people every year.
Supply of Dhotis and Sarees to Scheduled Caste (SC) People - Introduction
This scheme helps poor SC families cover their basic clothing needs without spending money. Each eligible male family member gets a lungi and a shirt piece, while each eligible female member gets a saree and a blouse piece. The benefits are given once a year.
For the Pongal festival on 14 January 2026, the department started accepting applications for cash assistance in lieu of free dhoti and saree. Families that have not applied for this benefit before and have members aged 18 years or above can submit their applications and supporting documents by 10 December 2025 to get the benefit.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Supply of Dhotis and Sarees to Scheduled Caste (SC) People |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Puducherry |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Tags | Clothes, Scheduled Caste, Social Welfare, SC |
Benefits
The scheme provides clothing support once a year to help families meet their basic needs:
- Each male family member receives a lungi and a shirt piece.
- Each female family member receives a saree and a blouse piece.
- For Pongal 2026, eligible SC and ST families can get cash assistance in place of the free dhoti and saree.
Eligibility
To apply for these benefits, the following conditions should be met:
- The applicant should be a citizen of India.
- The applicant should be aged 18 years or above.
- The name should appear on the yellow or red ration card issued by the Civil Supplies Department.
- The applicant should have lived continuously in Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹24,000. For instance, if Ramesh is from an SC family in Puducherry with an income of ₹20,000, he is eligible to apply.
Application Process
The application is done offline through the department office. For the Pongal 2026 cash assistance, applications were accepted up to 10 December 2025. Steps to apply are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department during office hours. The contact page of the department is available at the official website.
STEP 2 - Request the prescribed application form from the staff assigned to issue and collect these documents.
STEP 3 - Fill in all mandatory details carefully, attach a signed passport-sized photograph, and include copies of all required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the signed application form to the concerned authority before the closing date.
STEP 5 - Always request an acknowledgment receipt that includes the date, time, and a unique reference number for your records.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready when applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department
- Income Certificate from the Revenue Department
- Passport-sized photograph
- Caste Certificate
- Valid Yellow or Red Ration Card
- Any required declaration or undertaking
References
For more detailed information, refer to the following official resources:
FAQ's
Is there a specific age requirement to join the scheme?
Yes, the applicant should be at least 18 years old to apply.
Does the scheme allow applicants with an income above ₹24,000?
No, the annual household income should not exceed ₹24,000 to qualify.
Is the 5-year residency rule mandatory?
Yes, the applicant should have been a continuous resident of Puducherry for at least 5 years to be eligible.
What clothing items will female family members receive?
Every eligible female member of the family receives a saree and a blouse piece.
What clothing items will male family members receive?
Every eligible male member of the family receives a lungi and a shirt piece.
Can I get cash instead of the clothing for Pongal 2026?
Yes, for Pongal 2026 the department is giving cash assistance in place of the free dhoti and saree to eligible SC and ST families who apply in time.
How can I verify my income for the application?
A valid Income Certificate issued by the Revenue Department should be provided.
How often will I receive these clothing benefits?
The benefits are given on an annual basis.
Who manages this welfare program?
It is administered by the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department of Puducherry.
Are there specific provisions for persons with disabilities?
The current scheme guidelines do not mention specific provisions for persons with disabilities.
Is there a deadline to submit my application?
For the Pongal 2026 cash assistance, applications were accepted up to 10 December 2025. For the regular clothing benefit, there is no fixed opening or closing date.
Where can I find the official department website?
The official website is available at adwelfare.py.gov.in.
Is compensation available if the benefits are delayed?
No, the scheme does not include provisions for compensation regarding delayed payment.