Chennai, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, is set to launch the distribution of the Pongal gift package at a fair price shop located in Alandur, Chennai, on Thursday. This event signifies the commencement of the State's annual festive aid to ration card holders in preparation for the upcoming harvest festival.

This announcement has generated buzz among the public regarding whether this year's traditional Pongal gift package would feature a cash component.

On Sunday, the Tamil Nadu government revealed that rice ration card holders would receive Rs 3,000 in cash as part of the Pongal gift hampers.

In 2021, during the tenure of the previous AIADMK government, rice ration card holders were granted a cash gift of Rs 2,500 along with the Pongal gift hamper.

Following the DMK's victory in the Assembly elections, the State provided Rs 1,000 in cash along with a gift package in both 2022, 2023, and 2024.

However, in 2025, only the gift package was given out, without any cash support, which raised expectations for a return of monetary assistance in an election year.

Earlier, the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order allocating Rs 248 crore for the 2026 Pongal gift package. This allocation includes the procurement of one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and a full sugarcane for each eligible household. The announcement initially caused concern over the lack of a cash gift.

In response to growing public inquiries, Chief Minister Stalin convened a meeting with ministers and senior officials to discuss the situation. After these consultations, the government officially declared a Rs 3,000 cash gift would be included with the Pongal package.

The State government emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Pongal, describing it as an ancient festival celebrated by Tamils for millennia, honoring the Sun, the cattle that support agriculture, and the farmers who nourish society.

The Pongal gift package, which includes one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and a full sugarcane, will be distributed to all rice ration card holders as well as families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps.

This initiative is expected to benefit 2,22,91,710 ration card holders and eligible camp residents throughout the State. In addition to the cash gift and food items, dhotis and sarees intended for Pongal distribution have already been sent to all districts.

The Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure a seamless distribution of the Rs 3,000 cash assistance, Pongal gift set, and clothing items through all fair price shops prior to the festival.