Tamil Nadu Announces ₹3,000 Pongal Gift

Following the directions of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced that ₹3,000 in cash will be given along with Pongal gift hampers to more than 2.22 crore families holding rice ration cards across the State this year.

The cash assistance will also be extended to families living in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps, who will receive the ₹3,000 as part of the Pongal gift package. The scheme is aimed at helping people meet festival expenses and celebrate Pongal without financial stress.

According to an official statement, the State government will spend around ₹6,936 crore on distributing the Pongal gift hampers along with the cash support. In addition to the cash and gift items, the government has also made arrangements to provide free dhotis for men and free saris for women to eligible beneficiaries.

As of December 21 last year, there were 2,22,91,710 rice ration card-holders, including families staying in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps. All of them will benefit from this scheme.

Officials said steps have been taken to ensure smooth and timely distribution of the cash, Pongal gift hampers, dhotis, and saris so that families across Tamil Nadu can celebrate the festival comfortably.