Pongal gift: TN announces Rs 3,000 cash for rice ration card holders

January 4, 2026

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced a cash assistance of ₹3,000 to all rice ration card-holding families on the occasion of the Pongal festival. According to an official statement, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s decision was taken with the aim of making the harvest festival more inclusive and joyful for families across the state.

The government described Pongal as an ancient Tamil festival celebrated for thousands of years, saying it is an occasion to strengthen family ties and express gratitude to the sun, the animals that support agriculture, and the farmers who nourish the world. “Pongal symbolizes humanity’s deep connection with nature, agriculture, and collective well-being,” the statement said.

Pongal Gift Package and Dhoti-Sari Distribution

Earlier, the state government announced a comprehensive Pongal gift package for all rice ration card-holding families and those living in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps. The package includes one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and a whole sugarcane, which will be distributed through fair price shops across Tamil Nadu.

In addition, dhotis and sarees will also be distributed on the occasion of the festival. Officials said that consignments of dhotis and sarees have already been sent to all districts.

Benefits to 2.22 Crore Families

This scheme is expected to benefit approximately 2.22 crore rice ration card-holding families, including those living in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps. The total expenditure on this scheme, including cash assistance, Pongal gifts, and clothing distribution, is estimated at approximately ₹6,936.17 crore.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed officials to complete all arrangements before the festival. Cash assistance, Pongal gifts, and dhoti-sari distribution will be done through fair price shops before Pongal begins, ensuring timely assistance reaches beneficiaries. The government stated that this initiative reflects its commitment to social welfare and support for families on cultural occasions, and reaffirms Pongal as a festival of gratitude, prosperity, and shared joy in Tamil Nadu.