Pongal Gift Ration Card
Govt Pongal Gift Ration Card The government of Tamil Nadu is providing Pongal gifts to eligible rice ration card holders, comprising a gift hamper and a cash assistance of Rs 3,000. The distribution commenced on January 8, 2026, following its inauguration by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and is ongoing through ration shops across the state.
Gift Hamper Contents
Each hamper includes 1 kg of raw rice, 1 kg of sugar, and one whole sugarcane. Additionally, free dhotis and sarees are being distributed separately to further support the festive season.
Eligibility Criteria
Approximately 2.22 crore rice ration card holders, including families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps, are covered under this scheme. Exclusions apply to central and state government employees, income tax payers, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees, sugar ration card holders, and individuals utilizing their cards solely for identification purposes.
Collection Procedure
Beneficiaries will receive tokens from ration shops, which specify time slots to manage crowd flow. The distribution is targeted for completion by January 14. Ration shops in hilly regions will open at 6 a.m., and January 9 has been designated as a working day for all shops. The Rs 3,000 cash assistance will be disbursed concurrently with the gift hamper.
Helpline Information
For inquiries regarding the Pongal Gift Scheme, please contact 1967 or 18004255901.
The government of Tamil Nadu is providing a Pongal gift hamper for 2026 to eligible rice ration card holders, which includes several essential items for the festival.
The hamper contains:
1 kilogram of raw rice
1 kilogram of sugar
1 sugarcane stick
Additionally, a small pack containing raisins, cashew nuts, and cardamom will be provided.
Furthermore, separate complimentary sarees and dhotis are distributed through a related initiative, and a cash assistance of 3,000 rupees is also given along with the hamper.
Eligible beneficiaries of the rice ration card program in Tamil Nadu are advised to collect their Pongal gift hamper from their designated fair price shop. This distribution process utilizes a token-based system to facilitate an organized and efficient collection experience.
Collection Procedure:
Token Issuance: Fair price shop personnel will conduct door-to-door deliveries of tokens commencing in early January. These tokens will specify the designated collection date, time, and shop location. To manage crowd flow effectively, tokens are allocated based on street-wise groupings of ration cards.
Shop Visit: Beneficiaries are requested to visit their assigned fair price shop during their allotted time slot. Collection sessions are typically divided into morning and evening periods, with each session accommodating 100-200 individuals, depending on the shop’s capacity. Shops situated in hilly regions will commence operations at 6:00 AM. Please note that January 9th is designated as a working day.
Verification and Collection: Upon arrival, beneficiaries must present their original smart rice ration card. An Aadhaar card may be used as an alternative identification document if required.
The gift hamper, comprising 1 kg of raw rice, 1 kg of sugar, sugarcane, and a small package containing raisins, cashews, or cardamom, along with a cash disbursement of Rs 3,000 and a complimentary saree or dhoti, will be issued directly at the counter.
Important Information:
Statewide distribution commenced on January 8, 2026, with an anticipated completion date of January 14. Should you not receive a token, please visit your designated fair price shop without delay. For any inquiries or issues, please contact helpline 1967.
