Distribution of Pongal gift hampers in ration shops. File
| Photo Credit: Govarthan M.
On the directions of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday (January 4, 2026) announced that ₹3,000 cash will be given to all eligible ration card holders as Pongal gift this year.
An official release said all rice ration card holders and those in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps would get the cash gift of ₹3,000, as part of the Pongal hamper.
The State government would incur an expenditure of ₹6,936 crore due to the distribution of Pongal gift hamper with the cash component. Arrangements have been made for the distribution of free dhoti and sarees too, it said.
Published – January 04, 2026 01:30 pm IST
