Jayalalithaa announces Pongal gift pack for PDS card holders

In a measure that would benefit nearly two crore families, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Wednesday announced a ‘Pongal Gift Pack’ for ration-card holders, which would include Rs 100 in cash.

“I am happy to announce that ration-card (rice card) holders, Police card owners and Sri Lankan Tamil families living in camps would be provided with a Pongal Gift Pack to celebrate the Tamil festival with joy,” she said in a statement here.

The pack would comprise one kg each rice and sugar, two pieces of sugarcane (which is an integral part of Pongal festivities) of two feet and Rs. 100, she said.

The gift pack will be distributed through PDS shops ahead of the harvest festival, which falls on January 15, she said adding the initiative would cost the government Rs 318 crore.

“This step by me will benefit 1.91 crore families and will help the poor people celebrate the Pongal festival with pomp and fervour,” she said.