On Thursady 8th Jan 2026, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin, launched the Pongal Gift Scheme. Under this scheme state govt will give Rs 3,000 cash and essential commodities to the 2.2 crore ration card holders of the state. The government’s Pongal scheme will help over 2.22 crore families. Each family will get a Pongal gift that includes one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, one sugarcane, and Rs 3,000 in cash. The government is also giving out 1.77 crore sarees and 1.77 crore dhotis to people. The total cost of this entire Pongal gift program – including the cash, food items, sarees, and dhotis – is Rs 7,604.29 crore.
Objective of Pongal Gift
The main objective of the Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme is to help people celebrate the Pongal festival happily and with dignity. The government gives cash and gift items like rice, sugar, and sugarcane to eligible ration card holders so they can enjoy the festival without financial worry.
Key Highlights of Pongal Gift Scheme
| Key Point | Details |
| Scheme Name | Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Objective | To provide festive support to families during the Pongal festival |
| Type of Scheme | State Government Welfare Scheme |
| Beneficiaries | Rice and Sugar Ration Card holders in Tamil Nadu |
| Cash Benefit | ₹3,000 per eligible family (latest announced amount) |
| Gift Hamper Items | 1 kg Raw Rice, 1 kg Sugar, 1 Sugarcane |
| Additional Benefits | Free Saree for women and Free Dhoti for men (under related schemes) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Resident of Tamil Nadu with a valid Rice or Sugar Ration Card |
| Excluded Categories | No-card holders and non-residents of Tamil Nadu |
| Required Documents | Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, Mobile Number |
| Application Process | No application required |
| Mode of Distribution | Through Fair Price Shops (Ration Shops) |
| Distribution Period | Every year before the Pongal festival (January) |
| Administering Department | Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department |
| Scheme Frequency | Annual |
What’s included in each hamper:
- Rs. 1,000 in cash
- 1 kg of raw rice
- 1 kg of sugar
- 1 sugarcane stick
- 1 saree and 1 dhoti (provided under the Saree and Dhoti Scheme)
Also Check: Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil Scheme
Eligibility Criteria
- You must live in Tamil Nadu
- You must have a Rice Card or Sugar Card
- Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu rehabilitation camps can also apply
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card.
- Rice Card or Sugar Card.
- Mobile Number.
- Sri Lankan Refugee Card.
Important Dates:
- The Tamil Nadu Government will distribute Pongal gifts from January 8th to January 13th, 2026
Application Process
Step 1: Check if you’re automatically included
- Good news! You don’t need to apply separately for this scheme
- If you have a Rice Card, you’re automatically eligible
- If you live in a Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Camp, you’re also automatically covered
Step 2: Go to your local ration shop
- Visit your nearest Fair Price Shop (ration shop) to collect your gift
- An agent at the shop will give you a token number to avoid crowds
Step 3: Wait for your token number
- Gifts will be given out based on token numbers
- Wait for your turn to be called
Also Check: Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam Scheme
Step 4: Collect your Pongal gift
Each gift hamper includes:
- 1 kg of raw rice
- 1 kg of sugar
- 1 sugarcane stick
- A special pack with raisins, cashew nuts, and cardamom
- Rs. 3,000 in cash to celebrate Pongal
Helpline Number
- Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme Helpline Number : – 1967, 18004255901 and 044-28592828