Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme 2026: Rs 3,000 Cash, Rice & Sugar for PDS Card Holders

Tamil Nadu govt. Pongal Gift Scheme provides cash and gift hampers to ration card holders across the state during the Thai Pongal festival. For Pongal 2026, the state government announced Rs 3,000 cash along with gift hampers for around 2.22 crore rice card holders and Sri Lankan Tamils living in rehabilitation camps.

The distribution of the gift hampers started from January 9, 2026 through fair price shops across the state. The state government allocated Rs 6,936 crore towards this Pongal package for PDS card holders. The cash amount is sent directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible families through DBT.

Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme 2026

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the Pongal gift package for 2026. This year, the package includes Rs 3,000 cash along with the gift hamper. In 2023 and 2024, the hamper had Rs 1,000 cash, while last year, in 2025, there was no cash component. The cash amount is now higher for Pongal 2026.

The gift hamper for 2026 includes rice, sugar, and sugarcane. Dhotis and saris are also provided to around 1.76 crore card holders as part of the Pongal distribution. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in rehabilitation camps receive one kilogram each of rice, sugar, and sugarcane along with the cash benefit.

Detail	Information
Scheme Name	Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme
Launched By	Tamil Nadu government
Beneficiaries	Around 2.2 crore ration card holders and Sri Lankan Tamils in rehab camps
Benefit Amount	Rs 3,000 cash plus gift hamper
Distribution Mode	Through fair price shops and DBT
Application Mode	No online application needed

Items in Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Package 2026

For Pongal 2026, the state government announced the following package for each eligible card holder:

• Rs 3,000 cash - transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the card holder through DBT
• Rice - given free as part of the festive package
• Sugar - included in the gift hamper
• Sugarcane - part of the traditional Pongal hamper
• Dhoti and sari - provided to around 1.76 crore card holders

Who Can Get the Pongal Gift

The Pongal gift is given to eligible families registered under the public distribution system. The following people can get the benefit:

• Rice ration card holders registered in the PDS system in Tamil Nadu
• Sri Lankan Tamil families living in rehabilitation camps

How to Get the Pongal Gift

There is no online application for this scheme. The gift is given automatically to eligible card holders at the fair price shop. Before Pongal, the authorities issue tokens to card holders at their doorstep. On the given date, card holders can go to the fair price shop and collect the hamper. The cash amount is sent directly to the bank account linked with the ration card.

FAQ's

Is there an online application for the Pongal Gift Scheme?

No. The gift is given automatically to eligible ration card holders. There is no separate online application or registration portal for this scheme.

How is the cash amount given?

The cash amount is transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the card holder through DBT. Card holders should make sure their bank and Aadhaar details are updated to avoid delays.

Who is eligible for the Pongal gift?

Rice ration card holders registered in the PDS system in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan Tamils living in rehabilitation camps are eligible for the Pongal gift.

Source / Reference Link: TN announces Rs 3,000 cash with Pongal gift hampers for ration card holders