Pongal gift for 1.84 crore cardholders

Chennai: The state government on Tuesday announced a festival package comprising one kg of rice, one kg of sugar and Rs 100  in cash to 1.84 crore ration cardholders in the state in view of Pon­gal.

All ration cardholders who are entitled to rice purchase from PDS shops will benefit from the package, a state government rele­as­e said.

“Considering the drought conditions and failed crops, the state government last year announced a similar package for Pongal. We will be giving the same gift during this year’s Pongal too. This will incur the state an expense of Rs 281crore,” the a release added.

Pon­gal, which falls on January 14, is an important festival in the state and the celebrations last for four days.