Puducherry Government Announces Rs 3,000 Pongal Cash Gift for Ration Card Holders

The Puducherry government has announced a Rs 3,000 Pongal cash gift for each of the approximately 3.47 lakh families covered under the Public Distribution System, credited via Direct Benefit Transfer. This assistance complements a free Pongal commodity package worth Rs 750, including rice, sugar, dal, oil, and ghee. The Lieutenant Governor approved the payment amid plans to increase welfare spending, including enhanced monthly assistance to women heads of BPL families and pensioners. Pongal celebrations were held with cultural events and traditional rituals.