Distribution of Pongal gift hampers to ration cardholders began in the central regions on Thursday.
The gift hampers contain one kg each of raw rice and sugar and sugarcane, besides saris and dhotis.
In Tiruchi, about 8.33 lakh family cardholders, who are eligible to draw rice, would get the gift packs, besides 968 inmates of rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamils. The packs would be distributed through the 1,219 ration shops across the district.
Collector M. Pradeep Kumar inaugurated the distribution at a ration shop at Periya Milaguparai in the city. Mayor M. Anbazhagan was present.
Mr. Kumar said tokens had been issued to all beneficiaries to avoid overcrowding at the ration shops and the distribution would go on till January 12. Those who fail to collect their hampers on the allotted days can get the same on January 13, he said.
In Nagapattinam, 2.17 lakh cardholders would get the hampers through the 386 ration shops, said Collector P. Akash, who inaugurated the distribution at a ration shop in Nagapattinam. N. Gowthaman, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation, and N. Mathivanan, Chairman, TN Adi Dravidar Housing Development Corporation, were present.
Collector A.P. Mahabharathi inaugurated the distribution of the hampers in Mayiladuthurai and said that about 2.83 lakh ration cardholders would get the hampers in the district through 414 ration shops.
Published – January 09, 2025 07:05 pm IST