Tamil Nadu CM Stalin announces Rs 3,000 Pongal cash assistance for 2.22 crore families

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Sunday announced a Pongal festival cash assistance of Rs 3,000 for all rice ration card-holding families across the state, including families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps .

The government said the cash aid will be distributed ahead of the festival through fair price shops , along with the customary Pongal gift hampers and clothing , including dhotis, sarees, one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and a full-length sugarcane . Officials have been directed to ensure all arrangements are completed before Pongal, so beneficiaries receive assistance without delay.

The initiative aims to help households celebrate the traditional Tamil harvest festival in a more festive and inclusive manner while providing financial relief amid rising living costs . Approximately 2.22 crore families are expected to benefit this year.

Pongal, celebrated as a festival of prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness , marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. The government described the assistance as part of its commitment to social welfare and inclusive development .

In a related development, Chief Minister Stalin also launched the DMK Election Manifesto Portal 2026 at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai. The portal allows citizens from all walks of life including farmers, traders, professionals, government employees, and youth to submit suggestions for the party’s upcoming election manifesto . DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said the initiative reflects the party’s effort to prepare a “people’s manifesto” by actively involving the public and ensuring the manifesto aligns with the needs and priorities of society.