The distribution of Pongal gift hampers to ration card holders in Tamil Nadu has faced a temporary delay for certain beneficiaries who were away celebrating the harvest festival in their hometowns. The state government plans to resume distribution at ration shops once these beneficiaries return, with an official announcement expected soon. More than 90% of eligible beneficiaries have already received the Pongal gift hampers, with the remaining recipients mainly absent during the distribution period due to festival travel.
Each Pongal gift hamper consists of Rs 3,000 in cash assistance, one kilogram of brown rice, one kilogram of sugar, and a sugarcane. Officials anticipate that the outstanding hampers, along with the cash component, will be distributed by the end of this month. The Pongal gift scheme, inaugurated on January 8 by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, aims to provide financial aid and essential food items to rice ration card holders during the festive season, benefiting approximately 2.22 crore ration card holders across the state.
Ration shops were directed to issue tokens to about 300 beneficiaries per shop daily to ensure a smooth distribution process and prevent overcrowding. Despite extending the distribution period until Bhogi day on January 14, a small percentage of beneficiaries could not collect the hampers due to their absence from their registered locations. Officials assure that all eligible beneficiaries will receive the Pongal gift hamper, and arrangements will be made to facilitate distribution once individuals return from their native places. Detailed guidelines are expected to be issued by the government to ensure the remaining beneficiaries receive their entitlements without any issues.
