Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday initiated a major welfare drive by launching the distribution of a substantial Pongal cash gift alongside a special festival package. This initiative is designed to assist rice category ration cardholders across the state in celebrating the harvest festival in a grand manner.
Grand Launch and Distribution Details
The Chief Minister personally kicked off the distribution at a fair price shop in Alandur. He handed over the benefits to select beneficiaries, which include ₹3,000 in cash along with a hamper containing one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, a sugarcane, a dhoti, and a saree.
This ambitious Pongal gift scheme is set to benefit a massive number of people. Officials estimate that around 2.22 crore rice category ration cardholders will receive the aid. The scheme's reach also extends to families living in Sri Lankan rehabilitation camps within Tamil Nadu.
Massive Financial Outlay for Festival Cheer
The state government has committed significant funds to ensure the success of this popular festival scheme. A whopping ₹6,936 crore has been allocated exclusively for the cash assistance component. An additional ₹248.66 crore has been set aside for procuring and distributing the physical gift items.
The distribution is being managed systematically through the network of fair price shops (FP shops) across Tamil Nadu. The state Food and Civil Supplies department had already distributed tokens to beneficiaries, specifying their collection time. The process commenced on Thursday and is expected to be swift.
State-Wide Rollout and Festival Significance
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who launched the distribution in the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly Constituency, stated that the entire process of distributing both cash and gift hampers should be completed within four or five days.
The launch event saw the participation of State Ministers K R Periyakaruppan, R Sakkarapani, Ma Subramanian, T M Anbarasan, and several senior officials.
Pongal, one of the most prominent harvest festivals in India, especially in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, began on Monday, January 14. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, acknowledging his crucial role in agriculture. It is a time marked by joy, gratitude, and community unity, and the state's scheme aims to bolster these celebrations for millions of households.
