Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme 2025
Every year, the Tamil Nadu government brings happiness to many families with the Pongal Gift Scheme. In 2025, this scheme keeps supporting ration card holders by giving them special gifts and cash during the Pongal festival. If you have a Tamil Nadu ration card, you will receive a gift basket filled with important food items and Rs 1,000 in cash.
Overview of the Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme 2025
The Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme is a celebration started by the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Its goal is to help families during Pongal by providing gifts at local ration shops. Each household taking part will get one kilogram of sugar, one kilogram of rice, and other useful grocery items along with Rs 1,000 in cash. Some beneficiaries also receive traditional clothes like dhoti and saree during the festival.
Recent Updates
In early January 2024, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin began handing out these Pongal gift hampers to over 2 crore ration card holders. They made sure everyone got their gifts safely with token systems at ration shops. The hampers included raw rice, sugar, sugarcane, a dhoti, saree, and the Rs 1,000 cash gift. The scheme also helped Sri Lankan refugees living in camps.
There was some talk about increasing the cash gift to Rs 3,000 because of flood hardships in districts like Chennai and Tirunelveli. However, the latest confirmed cash gift remains Rs 1,000 as part of the gift package.
Main Details of Pongal Gift Scheme 2025
| Name | Pongal Gift Scheme 2025 |
| Launched by | Tamil Nadu Government |
| Who benefits | Ration card holders in Tamil Nadu |
| Benefits | Ration items plus Rs 1,000 cash gift |
| Gift Items Include | Rice, Sugar, Ghee, Tamarind, Spices, Pulses, and more |
| Official Website | https://tnpds.gov.in/ |
Goal of the Pongal Gift Scheme
The main goal is to bring joy to Tamil Nadu households during Pongal, making the festive season easier and happier for poor families by providing necessary groceries and financial support. It also supports women-led households through schemes like Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam.
Pongal Festival Dates 2025
Pongal will be celebrated from January 15 to January 18, 2025. Gifts will be given out around this time through local ration shops.
Items Included in the Pongal Gift Basket
- Rice
- Sugar
- Ghee
- Tamarind
- Pepper
- Cardamom
- Jaggery
- Flour
- Urd Dal
- Moong Dal
- Cashew Nuts
- Rava
- Turmeric
- Dry Grapes
- Chilli Powder
- Oil
- Jeera Powder
- Coriander Powder
- Salt
- Mustard
- One Cloth Bag
- Rs 1,000 in Cash
Benefits of Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme 2025
- Supports over 2 crore ration card holders in Tamil Nadu.
- Festival relief with food and cash gifts.
- Promotes happiness and unity in homes during Pongal.
- Financial help of Rs 1,000 given to each eligible family.
- Encourages participation in state schemes and cultural celebrations.
Who is Eligible?
To get the Pongal Gift, you must:
- Be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Have a valid Tamil Nadu ration card.
- Not be a government employee or income tax payer in certain categories (some exclusions apply).
Documents Needed
- Aadhar Card
- Address proof
- Ration Card
- Mobile Number for contact
How to Receive the Pongal Gift 2025
- Visit your nearest ration shop during the set distribution period.
- You will get a token or coupon from local officials to help manage the crowd.
- Show your ration card and token at the shop.
- Collect your gift basket and cash gift.
Need Help or Have Questions?
You can call the Tamil Nadu government helpline numbers for any help related to the Pongal Gift Scheme:
Helpline Numbers: 1967 or 1800-425-5901
The Tamil Nadu Pongal Gift Scheme 2025 continues to bring people closer during this special festival. Make sure to check if you are eligible and collect your gift so you can celebrate Pongal with happiness and support.