The Tamil Nadu government has made a significant financial commitment to ensure a joyous Pongal festival for millions of families across the state. In a major pre-festival announcement, the state administration has earmarked a substantial sum of ₹248.44 crore for the procurement of special Pongal gift hampers. These hampers are designated for distribution to a vast number of 2.22 crore rice ration card holders in Tamil Nadu.
Details of the Pongal Hamper Package
According to an official government order released by the Food and Cooperation Department on Wednesday, each festive hamper will contain essential Pongal items. The package includes raw rice, sugar, and a full-sized sugarcane stalk. The financial breakdown reveals that ₹164 crore has been sanctioned specifically for sourcing the rice and sugar components. The procurement rates have been fixed at ₹25 per kilogram for raw rice and ₹48.54 per kilogram for sugar.
Separately, an allocation of ₹84.70 crore has been approved for the procurement of sugarcane. Each piece of sugarcane for the hampers is priced at ₹38. This careful budgeting ensures that traditional ingredients for the sweet Pongal dish and the symbolic sugarcane are accessible to all eligible beneficiaries.
Staggered Distribution Plan to Ensure Smooth Process
To facilitate a smooth and timely distribution process, especially for perishable items like sugarcane, the government has outlined a detailed plan. Officials stated that tokens will be distributed to eligible ration card holders starting from Friday. The actual distribution of the hampers will commence closer to the Pongal festival date.
In a move to prevent overcrowding and long queues at ration shops, the distribution will be conducted in a staggered manner. Typically, 100 beneficiaries will be allowed per session, with sessions held in both the morning and evening. Ration shops that have larger premises have been given the flexibility to increase this number to between 150 and 200 beneficiaries per session.
Decision on Cash Gift Component Awaited
One key element of the Pongal package remains undecided. The state government has yet to announce whether a cash component will be included this year. Sources indicate that discussions are currently underway between the Chief Minister's Office and the Finance Department to finalize this matter.
Historically, the Tamil Nadu government included a cash gift of ₹1,000 along with the Pongal hampers until the year 2024. However, this cash benefit was omitted last year, with the government citing financial constraints as the reason. The outcome of the current deliberations is eagerly awaited by the millions of families who look forward to the annual festival aid.
This large-scale initiative underscores the state government's focus on welfare schemes and supporting traditional celebrations, ensuring that the harvest festival is celebrated with abundance and joy by all sections of society.
