Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to Commence Distribution of Pongal Gift Hampers Tomorrow
Click to start listening
Chennai, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, will officially commence the distribution of Pongal gift hampers on Thursday at a ration shop situated in Saidapet, Chennai.
Subsequently, these hampers will be made available through ration shops all over the state.
Holders of ration cards will receive hampers that include one kg of raw rice, sugar, tamarind, sugarcane, Rs 1,000 in cash, and 21 additional essential festival items.
To facilitate the distribution process and minimize crowding, the government is contemplating the direct transfer of the cash component into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Should any complications arise with these bank transfers, the traditional distribution method via ration shops will be utilized, accompanied by special tokens.
The state government has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the creation of 1.77 crore dhotis and an equivalent count of sarees. This marks a notable increase from the previous year, with an additional 77 lakh dhotis and 53 lakh sarees being produced. These items will be distributed to ration cardholders and participants in the Old Age Pension Scheme.
For the production cycle of 2024-25, cotton yarn will be utilized for manufacturing, while polyester yarn will be introduced in 2025-26. This initiative is designed to benefit 63,000 power looms throughout the state.
In addition to the gift hampers, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) will operate 15,000 special buses from January 10 to 13 to facilitate travelers returning to their hometowns for the festivities. Out of these, 12,000 buses will depart from Chennai to various locations, supplementing the existing 2,092 daily buses in service. Passengers can board these special buses from terminals at Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Madhavaram.
To combat exploitation by private bus operators charging excessive fares, the Tamil Nadu Transport Department has deployed 30 inspection teams for statewide inspections. These teams will enforce penalties, seize buses, or revoke permits in cases of violations.
As the festive period approaches, all trains from Chennai to southern districts are fully booked, and there is a noticeable increase in bus reservations. Over 75,000 reservations have already been made, with expectations for further increases. Public holidays for Pongal have been declared from January 14 to 16, resulting in a six-day break that includes the following weekend.
