In a notable announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin declared a Pongal cash gift of Rs 1,000 for each cardholder drawing rice from Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets across the state. However, this cash gift will not be extended to employees of state and central governments, public sector undertakings, income tax payers, and PDS cardholders drawing sugar.
“The cash will be given a day before Pongal at PDS outlets,” stated an official release.
Earlier, the state government had announced a Pongal gift hamper comprising 1kg of rice, 1kg of sugar, and sugarcane. Due to meticulous planning and production in advance, free dhoti and saree have been dispatched to all districts. All necessary arrangements have been made to distribute the dhoti and saree along with the gift hamper.
In addition to the Pongal cash gift, Chief Minister Stalin revealed that the monthly allowance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam would be credited to the bank accounts of 1.15 crore women beneficiaries on January 10, deviating from the usual practice of the 15th of every month, in consideration of the Pongal festivities.
