Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has emphasized the need to distribute a minimum of Rs. 2,000 in cash along with the Pongal gift package to all ration cardholders in Tamil Nadu.
In a statement, Panneerselvam highlighted the tradition of distributing cash and gift packages for the Pongal festival to all ration cardholders. However, he criticized the ruling DMK government for the numerous lapses in the distribution process over the past three years.
In 2022, the government announced a Pongal gift package containing 21 items. However, reports indicated that not even half of the items were distributed, and the ones provided were deemed ineffective by beneficiaries.
To address the shortcomings, last year, the government offered Rs. 1,000 in cash along with 1 kg of raw rice, 1 kg of sugar, and a sugarcane stick as the Pongal gift package.
Initially, this year, it was announced that 1 kg of raw rice, 1 kg of sugar, and a sugarcane stick would be provided. Following pressure from opposition leaders and considering the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the government decided to give Rs. 1,000 in cash as part of the gift package. However, this cash benefit excluded government employees, income taxpayers, and sugar cardholders, leaving more than half of the population without the monetary benefit.
For the 2025 Pongal celebrations, the government announced a package of 1 kg raw rice, 1 kg sugar, and a whole sugarcane for all ration cardholders. This announcement has disappointed many, especially as Tamil Nadu residents are still recovering from the impact of Cyclone āPenchalā and heavy rains.
Panneerselvam stated that the DMK government’s decision has created a situation where the people of Tamil Nadu are unable to celebrate Pongal in a grand manner.
He urged the government to provide at least Rs. 2,000 in cash along with the Pongal gift package to all ration cardholders, ensuring that the festival is celebrated joyously across the state.