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TN's Pongal Boost: Rs 3,000 Cash Gift for Ration Card Holders & Camp Families

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced a Pongal cash assistance of Rs 3,000 for all families holding rice ration cards in the state, extending the benefit to those in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps. The cash will be distributed ahead of the harvest festival through fair price shops alongside the traditional gift hamper of rice, sugar, and sugarcane. The initiative aims to provide financial relief amid rising costs and ensure inclusive celebrations for an estimated 2.22 crore families. In a separate event, Stalin also launched a portal for public suggestions to shape the DMK's 2026 election manifesto.

Key Points: TN CM Stalin Announces Rs 3,000 Pongal Cash Gift for Families

  • Rs 3,000 cash gift for Pongal
  • For all rice ration card holders
  • Includes Sri Lankan Tamil camp families
  • Part of larger welfare package
2 min read

TN CM Stalin announces Rs 3,000 Pongal cash gift for ration card holders, Sri Lankan Tamil camp families

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announces Rs 3,000 Pongal cash assistance for ration card holders & Sri Lankan Tamil camp families. Details on distribution.

TN CM Stalin announces Rs 3,000 Pongal cash gift for ration card holders, Sri Lankan Tamil camp families
"people's manifesto - Kanimozhi Karunanidhi"

Chennai, January 4

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Sunday announced a Pongal festival cash assistance of Rs 3,000 for all rice ration card-holding families across the state, extending the benefit to families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps as well.

The move aims to help households celebrate Pongal, the traditional Tamil harvest festival, in a more festive and inclusive manner.

According to a state government press release, the cash gift will be distributed ahead of the festival through fair price shops, along with the customary Pongal gift hamper and clothing. The Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure all arrangements are completed before Pongal, so beneficiaries receive assistance without delay.

Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries.

The government estimates that a total of 2,22,01,710 rice ration card-holding families and families living in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps will benefit from the Pongal assistance this year. In addition, dhotis and sarees meant for Pongal distribution have already been dispatched to all districts, officials said.

The Rs 3,000 cash assistance is expected to provide additional financial relief to households amid rising living costs and to help families meet festival-related expenses. The state government described the initiative as part of its commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.

Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Stalin also launched the DMK Election Manifesto Portal 2026 at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai. The portal allows people from various sections of society, including farmers, traders, professionals, government employees and youth, to submit suggestions for the party's upcoming election manifesto. DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said the initiative reflects the party's intention to prepare a "people's manifesto" by actively seeking public participation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While the cash gift is welcome, I hope the distribution is smooth and transparent. Last year there were delays in some areas. The government must ensure the money reaches everyone before the festival without any middlemen.
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Suresh O
Good move. But this is just before-election freebie culture. What about long-term solutions for inflation and job creation? Festive gifts are nice, but stable income is better.
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Meera T
As a Tamil living outside TN, this makes me proud. Supporting our Sri Lankan Tamil brothers and sisters during our shared festival is the true spirit of Pongal - unity and gratitude. இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்! 🪔
D
David E
Interesting to see this level of direct welfare support. The scale is massive - over 2.2 crore families! The logistical effort to distribute cash and hampers must be enormous. Hope it's managed well.
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Anjali F
The inclusion of the rehabilitation camp families is the most important part. They have suffered so much. Letting them celebrate Pongal with dignity is a small but significant step. More states should learn from this inclusivity.

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