Tamil Nadu Minister K.R. Periakaruppan announced that ₹5,587.02 crore has been disbursed to 1,86,23,426 rice ration card holders for the Pongal festival as of January 11. The distribution, which began on January 8, also includes Pongal gift hampers. Over 50,000 workers from the Cooperation Department are involved in this initiative, which aims to provide financial assistance and festive gifts to eligible families and those in Sri Lankan rehabilitation camps.