Chennai: In a festive gesture, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced that his government will give a cash gift of Rs 1,000 to the people of the state on the occasion of Pongal, the harvest festival celebrated on January 15. The announcement was made on Friday, as the CM also criticized the Central Government for failing to address the issues of the state.
The cash gift will be given to all ration cardholders, except those who are central and state government employees, income taxpayers, public sector undertakings, Chinese ration card holders, and ration card holders who do not take ration voluntarily. The money will be distributed through fair-price shops before the festival.
The CM said that the cash gift was a way of expressing his gratitude to the people for their support and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said that the gift was a recognition of the hard work and contribution of the farmers, who are the backbone of the state’s economy.
The CM also took a dig at the Central Government, asking what it has done for the people of Tamil Nadu. He accused the Centre of ignoring the state’s demands and interests and said that his government would continue to fight for the rights of the state.
The cash gift is in addition to the Pongal gift hamper that the government has already announced. The hamper includes one kg each of rice sugar, and sugarcane. Free dhoti and saree will also be given along with the hamper. The CM also said that the payment of Rs 1,000 per month given under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam scheme, which benefits 1.15 crore women of the state, will be made on January 10, five days before the Pongal festival.
