Chennai, Dec 31 (NationPress) The government of Tamil Nadu has released comprehensive guidelines to facilitate the efficient and organized distribution of gift hampers for Pongal 2026. All fair price shops in the state are instructed to print and distribute tokens to eligible beneficiaries starting by January 2.

This initiative is designed to streamline the distribution process ahead of the festive period, effectively minimizing congestion at ration outlets.

These orders were communicated by Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies M. Veerappan to all zonal offices operating under the Cooperation, Food, and Consumer Protection Department.

According to the outlined procedures, tokens are to be delivered door-to-door to all qualified rice ration cardholders and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees entitled to receive the annual Pongal gift hamper.

Each token is required to specify the date and time designated for collection, ensuring a systematic and staggered distribution.

To avoid overcrowding, ration shops have been instructed to limit the number of beneficiaries to 100 per session — one in the morning and one in the evening.

Shops with larger spaces may accommodate between 150 and 200 beneficiaries per session, depending on the availability of space.

The department has mandated that ration cards be organized street-wise and beneficiary-wise to facilitate smooth distribution. Comprehensive beneficiary lists must be maintained at each shop.

Importantly, only staff from the fair price shops are authorized to distribute tokens. Police personnel are not allowed to handle the token distribution, although police protection will be provided at shops where law and order issues are anticipated.

In terms of staffing, shops managing up to 1,500 ration cards must employ at least two staff members, while those handling more than 1,500 cards are required to engage a minimum of three staff members.

Officials have been instructed to ensure that sufficient stocks of Pongal gift hampers are available in advance to prevent any disruption.

Additionally, all fair price shops are required to upload daily updates on token distribution via Google Sheets by 5 p.m., allowing for real-time monitoring at the state level.

Last year's Pongal gift hamper included one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, sugarcane, and complimentary dhotis and sarees. A similar benefit package, alongside a monetary gift, is anticipated this year, potentially aiding nearly two crore families across Tamil Nadu. The government has emphasized that strict compliance with the guidelines is crucial to ensure an efficient, transparent, and hassle-free distribution process leading up to the festive season.