CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday announced a Pongal cash gift of Rs 1,000 each to cardholders drawing rice from PDS outlets across the state.
The cash gift won’t be extended to employees of state and central governments, public sector undertakings, income tax payers and PDS cardholders drawing sugar. “The cash will be given a day before Pongal at PDS outlets,” said an official release.
State government had earlier announced a Pongal gift hamper of 1kg of rice, 1kg of sugar and sugarcane. Due to planning and production in advance, free dhoti and saree have been sent to all districts. All necessary arrangements have been made to disburse the dhoti and saree along with a gift hamper.
The chief minister announced that the monthly allowance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam would be credited to the bank accounts of 1.15 crore women beneficiaries on January 10, instead of the usual practice of 15th every month, in view of Pongal.