Chennai, Jan 4 (NationPress) As the Pongal festival draws near, it is anticipated that Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will make an official announcement regarding the state government's decision to provide Rs 3,000 in cash along with the Pongal gift hamper for the year 2026.

This announcement comes as the public faces uncertainty about whether the government will distribute only the traditional Pongal gift hamper this year or also include cash aid. This confusion arose after a recent government directive that allocated Rs 248 crore solely for the Pongal gift package, without any initial indication of a cash component.

The decision was made following discussions with ministers and senior officials, aiming to meet public expectations as the harvest festival approaches.

According to the Cooperation Department, the Rs 248 crore allocation is designated for acquiring essential items for Pongal, such as one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and a whole sugarcane, to be distributed through fair price shops throughout Tamil Nadu.

The initial absence of a cash component had sparked speculation, particularly in light of previous practices. In 2021, under the AIADMK government, ration card holders received a Pongal gift hamper along with Rs 2,500 in cash. After the DMK assumed power, the government provided Rs 1,000 in cash along with the Pongal gift hamper in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

However, in 2025, only the gift hamper was distributed, without any cash assistance, leading to disappointment among beneficiaries.

With Assembly elections anticipated in April, public expectations have surged, hoping that the government will reinstate cash support as part of the Pongal welfare initiatives.

In response to these sentiments, the Chief Minister has reviewed the matter with the Cabinet and senior bureaucrats to finalize the increased cash assistance.

The distribution of the Pongal gift hamper alongside Rs 3,000 in cash is projected to commence on January 8.

Prior to the rollout, tokens will be issued to households to guarantee a smooth and orderly distribution at ration shops.

This scheme will be rolled out across Tamil Nadu through all fair price shops, covering rice card holders and other eligible ration card categories.

Officials have reported that arrangements are being made to distribute benefits to approximately 400 ration card holders daily at each outlet to prevent overcrowding.

The government's objective is to complete the statewide distribution of the Pongal gift hampers and Rs 3,000 cash assistance by January 14, allowing families across Tamil Nadu to celebrate the harvest festival with enhanced financial support.