Chennai, 31 December: The Tamil Nadu Government has allocated ₹248.44 crore for the procurement of essential food items for Pongal gift kits to be distributed during the upcoming festival. This initiative will benefit approximately 2.22 crore rice ration card holders across the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to support families during the festival season.
According to an official order issued by the Food and Consumer Protection Department on Wednesday, the allocated funds will be used to purchase raw rice, sugar, and full-sized sugarcane – the key components of the traditional Pongal gift kits.
Out of the total allocation, ₹164 crore has been approved for the purchase of rice and sugar, while ₹84.70 crore is earmarked for sugarcane procurement. The government order specifies that raw rice will be purchased at ₹25 per kilogram and sugar at ₹48.54 per kilogram.
Each ration card holder will receive a full-sized sugarcane valued at ₹38 to maintain uniformity in distribution throughout the state and continue the tradition followed in recent years.
Officials have stated that the purchasing and supply processes are being streamlined to ensure timely delivery before Pongal. The Food and Cooperation Department has instructed all related agencies to complete procurement and logistics well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.
While the food items for the gift kits have been finalised, there remains some uncertainty regarding the cash component that accompanies the kits. In previous years, the state government had also provided cash incentives along with the food materials, which were well received by beneficiaries.
Officials revealed that discussions are ongoing between the Chief Minister’s office and the Finance Department on the cash amount to be given this year. An official announcement on the cash component is expected soon after financial approval.
The Pongal gift scheme, benefiting around 2.22 crore families, continues to be one of the state’s largest welfare programmes. Its objective is to reduce household expenses during the festival and strengthen the government’s commitment to social welfare.
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