The scheme of free distribution of sarees and dhoties to all eligible poor beneficiaries on the eve of Pongal every year was introduced by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Bharat Ratna Dr.M.G.Ramachandran in the year 1983 with the twin objective of providing clothing to the poor and providing continuous employment to the handloom weavers and the scheme is being implemented since then. From the year 2004, this scheme has been extended to all rice card holders.

The name of the scheme has been revamped as Priceless distribution of dhoti / saree in the year 2012.

Eligibility: The priceless Dhoti / saree are distributed to the beneficiaries of all rice card holders, artisans, fishermen, landless agricultural poor labourers, who are living below poverty line in rural and urban areas.