THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rs 20 crore arrears pending for traditional handloom workers who contributed to the free school uniform scheme have been finally sanctioned, informed Finance Minister KN Balagopal.

These workers have been delayed wages for five months. Kerala Kaumudi had reported this on the 28th of last month. It was also pointed out that if government intervention is delayed, the distribution of uniforms will also face a similar fate.

48-50 lakh meters of fabric is required for the next academic year. So far 30 lakh meters of fabric have been produced. Usually weaving should be completed by December. From Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, Hantex supplies cloth and from Thrissur to Kasaragod, Hanvee supplies the cloth.

The project was implemented to promote traditional handlooms and provide improved uniforms for children. Two pairs of uniform cloth are distributed to children of government schools from Class I to VII and children of aided schools from Class I to IV.

Due to the economic crisis, yarn production has stopped in many spinning mills. The mills receive orders for yarn from the Handloom Directorate. 60,000 kg of yarn is given for uniforms and it requires Rupees two crore to meet all demands.