Kochi: Within days of starting the new academic year, the distribution of free handloom uniforms to children has been 80 percent complete. The fabrics are dyed through cooperative handloom societies in Tamil Nadu. Due to this, the delivery was delayed.

The free handloom uniform scheme was launched by the government with an aim to protect the handloom sector. From the 2024-25 academic year, the government has procured 50 lakh metres of cloth from the handloom sector in Kerala. It was estimated that 48 lakh metres would be required. Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur are ahead in the production of cloth.

Even as the supply of uniforms continues, the life of weavers is yet to be comfortable. They have been working without pay for the past six months. Around 6,000 weavers and over 1,500 allied workers depend on the handloom sector for their livelihood. The government has reduced the supply of yarn required for weaving to 25 percent, which poses a challenge to workers’ income. Rs 25 crores is yet to be paid by the government. With the suspension of income, the workers are struggling to pay the required amount for benefits such as PF and Welfare fund, State handloom Association General secretary A.V Babu said.