Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has declared a Rs 1,000 cash incentive for the upcoming Pongal festival, according to a statement released by the state government on Friday.
Stalin took the opportunity to criticize the Centre, questioning its efforts for the people of Tamil Nadu.
Pongal, the harvest festival, is set to be celebrated across the state on January 15.
As per an official release quoting the chief minister, the Rs 1,000 cash will be distributed as a "Pongal gift" through fair price shops to all ration cardholders, excluding Central and state government employees, Income Tax payers, public sector employees, sugar ration cardholders, and those with ration cards lacking commodities.
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The government has also announced a Pongal gift hamper containing one kg each of rice and sugar, along with sugarcane. Additionally, free dhoties and sarees will be distributed with the Pongal gift hamper.
Furthermore, the monthly payment of Rs 1,000 under the 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam' for 1.15 crore women heads of the family will be made on January 10, five days ahead of schedule, deposited directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts.
The Chief Minister, in a post on the social media platform X, stated that the "Dravidian model" government aims to bring happiness to every household by providing a Rs 1,000 cash dole along with Pongal gift hampers, particularly in the current financially challenging conditions.
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Since assuming power, the DMK government has implemented various welfare schemes using Tamil Nadu government funds, including monthly savings for women, free travel pass, breakfast scheme, and monthly aid for eligible girl school students and women.
Stalin questioned the Union Government's contribution to Tamil Nadu, tagging the state Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to address the issue.
Meanwhile, the state government has also announced a Pongal bonus of Rs 3,000 for C and D category government employees and teachers, along with a Rs 500 gift for the Harvest festival for C and D group pensioners, family pensioners, former village staff, and all category individual pensioners. This move is estimated to cost the government Rs 167.68 crore.
