Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Announces Cash Gifts for Pongal Festival

In a festive gesture, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a cash gift of ₹3,000 for families with rice ration cards and those in rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamils. This initiative, aimed at celebrating the Pongal festival, will also include gift packages containing essential items. Over 22.2 million beneficiaries are expected to receive support ahead of the celebrations, highlighting the government's commitment to assist those in need during this festive season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 09:48 IST

Cash Assistance for Rice Card Holders and Sri Lankan Tamils

On Sunday, M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, revealed plans to provide a cash gift of ₹3,000 to families holding rice ration cards and those residing in rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamils, in celebration of the harvest festival 'Pongal'.

The Chief Minister stated that prior to Pongal, beneficiaries will receive a gift package through public distribution system (PDS) centers. This package will include one kilogram of rice, one kilogram of sugar, a sugarcane, ₹3,000 in cash (for each family with a rice card), along with a dhoti and a saree.

Recently, the state government announced that this gift distribution would benefit over 22.2 million rice card holders and individuals living in rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamils ahead of the Pongal festivities.