CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday launched the distribution of Pongal gift hampers to eligible ration card holders across the state at a fair-price shop in Saidapet.
The hamper included 1 kg raw rice, 1 kg sugar and a sugarcane along with a saree and a dhoti. The government had allocated Rs 249.76 crore for distributing the hampers to 2.2 crore rice ration cardholders in the state.
However, many beneficiaries TNIE spoke to in Chennai expressed disappointment that the cash gift of Rs 1,000 was missing this year. For over a decade, the state government has included cash gifts along with Pongal hampers, except in a few years such as 2017, 2018 and 2022.
The initiative, which began in 2014, with Rs 100, increased to Rs 1,000 in 2019 and Rs 2,500 in 2021. In January 2022, the DMK government did not include a cash component, as the second instalment of cash assistance for Covid-19 of Rs 2,000 out of a total of Rs 4,000 was distributed to cardholders in November 2021.
Instead, the government distributed hampers containing 16 grocery items worth Rs 1,400. About 99.3% of the total eligible cardholders have received cash and Pongal gifts in the past.
When TNIE visited the ration shops, most shops did not witness large crowds on day one. Police personnel deployed for crowd management left the premises after 12 pm, as only a few people were present. The gifts were distributed to cardholders after biometric authentication.
S Rajalakshmi, a resident of Ambattur, said the quality of raw rice was good and the sugarcane appeared fresh but expressed disappointment over the lack of cash. “The cash distributed along with rice helped us during the festival. This year, I am a little disappointed,” she added.
S Shabana from Korattur, said, “Many of us have not received the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance (under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme). I was also told that my card was not eligible for flood relief two years ago. I expected a cash gift this year.”
Staff at the ration shops, who interacted with TNIE, said they distributed about 80% of the tokens to cardholders covered by their shops. “Only those who regularly purchase items visit the shops. The crowd was slightly higher than that of a regular day,” they noted.
As per official data, out of 2.21 crore ration cards, 70% of them receive rice and wheat every month, and 90% receive cooking oil and tur dal.