Chief Minister MK Stalin, along with ministers Sekar Babu, Periyakaruppan, Sakkarapani, and Ma Subramanian, inaugurated the Pongal cash gift and hamper distribution at a fair price shop in Sriram Nagar, Alwarpet, on Wednesday. The distribution, commencing today is scheduled to continue until January 14.
In a significant move on Tuesday, the government eased its eligibility conditions, announcing that a Rs 1,000 cash gift would now be extended to all rice card holders, regardless of their employment status with the state, union government, or PSU. This revision marks an inclusive approach, as these categories were initially excluded from the beneficiary list. However, sugar card holders and those without a commodity card remain excluded.
The Pongal gift hamper includes a kilogram each of rice and sugar, accompanied by a sugarcane.
Reports indicate that a substantial 2.19 crore rice ration card holders stand to benefit from this distribution initiative, highlighting the broad reach and impact of the government’s welfare measures.