In a recent announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin revealed that all rice card holders would receive a festive allowance of Rs 1,000 in anticipation of the upcoming Pongal harvest festival. The government specified that central, state, and public sector employees, income tax assesses, and sugar card holders are excluded from availing this cash assistance.
As part of the government’s initiative, a Pongal gift hamper, including one kilogram of rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full sugarcane, among other items, will be provided to all 2.19 crore rice card holders. Additionally, residents in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps in Tamil Nadu are also included in this distribution.
Responding to calls from the Opposition for cash assistance, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the distribution of veshti and sarees as part of the gift hamper. These items have been dispatched to all districts for efficient distribution, and beneficiaries can collect their gift hampers at ration shops before the festive occasion.
