What this scheme offers
For years, the Bathukamma festival — one of Telangana's most widely celebrated cultural events — came with a free saree for BPL women, but the powerloom and polyester fabric used drew persistent criticism over quality and delays. The Indiramma Sarees Scheme, distributed in phases around festivals and international Women's Day, addresses that directly by sourcing handloom fabric exclusively from Sircilla, Telangana's traditional weaving town — a change that both improves what beneficiaries actually receive and gives Sircilla's weaver families a steadier flow of orders than sporadic festival demand alone would provide. About one crore sarees are targeted.
Who is eligible
- Woman aged 18 or above from a BPL household in Telangana, holding a white ration card.
- Priority given to widows, differently-abled women, and women from SC/ST/BC communities.
- No income ceiling beyond ration-card status.
Documents required
- White ration card
- Aadhaar card
- Residential proof
How to apply
- Beneficiary lists are typically prepared using existing welfare-scheme databases (such as Aarogyasri or similar), so a separate individual application usually isn't required.
- Confirm your inclusion on the list through your local Panchayat office or ward office ahead of a distribution phase.
- Sarees are distributed at scheduled camps or through Anganwadi/panchayat channels during the announced phase (rural or urban).
- If you believe you're eligible but weren't included, raise it with your local panchayat or municipal office.