The Tamil Nadu government has effectively distributed the Pongal gift to the majority of eligible households this year. Official data reveals that 2.15 crore rice ration cardholders, constituting about 97% of the total 2.22 crore eligible families, have already received the benefit.
Around 7.6 lakh cardholders in the state are yet to collect the Pongal package, mainly due to beneficiaries being away from their home locations during the festival period. Minister for Cooperation K.R. Periyakaruppan stated that Rs 6453.54 crore has been disbursed from the allocated Rs 6687.51 crore for cash distribution under the scheme.
The Minister commended the efficient execution of the distribution, attributing the success to meticulous planning by officials and the dedicated efforts of Public Distribution System (PDS) employees. The Pongal gift scheme, initiated on January 8, offers Rs 3000 in cash, along with one kg of raw rice, sugar, and a sugarcane.
The scheme benefits all rice ration cardholders, including families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps. The state government has sanctioned Rs 6936.18 crore for the scheme this year, with cash distribution conducted through fair price shops by the Cooperation Department.
District-wise data indicates varying coverage levels. South Chennai has the highest number of pending beneficiaries, with nearly 59000 out of 10.59 lakh eligible cardholders yet to receive the gift, representing approximately 94% coverage. Other districts with notable pending numbers include Madurai (44000), Tirunelveli (32000), and Theni (22000).
Conversely, districts like Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, and Pudukkottai have achieved close to 98% distribution, with fewer than 10000 cardholders in each district awaiting collection of the benefit. An official from the Cooperation Department mentioned that over Rs 6500 crore in cash was managed at ration shops within a week.
Funds were transferred from central cooperative banks to local societies under the supervision of district Collectors and Joint Registrars, and transported to fair price shops with armed police protection. Each ration shop typically serves 900–1100 cardholders, handling Rs 27–32 lakh per shop, at a daily rate of Rs 6–7 lakh. The government plans to resume distribution once beneficiaries return to their hometowns, with an official announcement expected soon.
