Chennai, 05 January (H.S.) : The Tamil nadu government has announced that the Pongal gift hampers for the year 2026 will include a cash component of three thousand rupees for all eligible ration card holders across the state.

This significant benefit will also be extended to the residents of Sri Lankan refugee camps located within Tamil nadu. According to official estimates, the distribution of these gift hampers and the accompanying cash assistance is expected to cost the state exchequer approximately six thousand nine hundred thirty six crore rupees.

Around two crore twenty two lakh ration card holders are set to receive these hampers as the state prepares for the harvest festival. In addition to the cash and food items, the government will provide dhotis and saris to nearly one crore seventy six lakh cardholders.

This year's announcement follows a period of speculation regarding cash assistance, as no cash was provided in the previous year's package. Historical data shows that one thousand rupees were provided in both 2023 and 2024, while two thousand five hundred rupees were distributed in 2021.

Authorities stated that the gift hampers will also include essential items such as one kilogram each of rice and sugar, along with sugarcane. The cash assistance scheme, which originally began with a smaller amount in 2014, has seen various revisions over the years to support families during the agrarian festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai.

The distribution process is being organized through fair price shops to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their entitlements before the festival begins in the second week of January.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary