Distribution of Pongal gift hampers in ration shops. File | Photo Credit: Govarthan M. On the directions of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday (January 4, 2026) announced that ₹3,000 cash will be given to all eligible ration card holders as Pongal gift this year. An official release said all rice ration card holders and those in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps would get the cash gift of ₹3,000, as part of the Pongal hamper. The State government would incur an expenditure of ₹6,936 crore due to the distribution of Pongal gift hamper with the cash component. Arrangements have been made for the distribution of free dhoti and sarees too, it said. Published – January 04, 2026 01:30 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation RPF constable injured in accidental firing in J&K’s Kathua Recent developments in Venezuela a matter of deep concern: MEA