A major relief initiative could soon bring financial cheer to millions of ration card holders in Tamil Nadu. According to government sources, the state administration is actively considering a proposal to transfer ₹5,000 directly into the bank accounts of eligible ration card beneficiaries, just ahead of the festive season.

If approved, the move would offer timely economic support to households struggling with rising living costs and festive expenses. While an official notification is still awaited, internal discussions within the state government suggest that preparations are moving at a fast pace.

As per preliminary information, the Tamil Nadu government is evaluating a one-time cash benefit of ₹5,000 per ration card family, likely to be linked with the annual Pongal festival package. The primary goal of this assistance is to ease financial pressure on low- and middle-income families and ensure that celebrations are not overshadowed by monetary stress.

Officials indicate that the state finance department is reviewing feasibility, fund allocation, and beneficiary coverage, after which the proposal may be placed before the cabinet for final approval.

The financial scale of the plan is significant. Estimates suggest that the government may need to allocate nearly ₹10,000 crore to implement the scheme statewide. Despite the high expenditure, the initiative is being viewed as a direct benefit transfer (DBT) measure that ensures funds reach citizens without intermediaries.

Sources from the state secretariat hint that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin could formally announce the scheme before Diwali or Pongal, depending on budget clearance and administrative readiness.

Tamil Nadu has a long history of offering special Pongal gift hampers to ration card holders. Traditionally, these kits include essential items such as rice, jaggery, sugarcane, cashews, cardamom, along with sarees and dhotis.

In recent years, cash assistance was discontinued, leading to political debate and public demand for its return. The current proposal aims to restore this tradition, this time by combining essential commodities with direct monetary support, making the package more meaningful in today’s inflationary environment.

The discussion around cash support gained momentum after central government signals about festive relief measures and tax adjustments on essential goods. Inspired by these broader economic steps, Tamil Nadu appears keen to introduce a state-level relief initiative tailored to its population.

If cleared, the ₹5,000 transfer could significantly help families manage festival-related expenses such as food purchases, clothing, and household needs.

Although official eligibility criteria have not yet been released, the benefit is expected to be extended to:

• Registered ration card holders in Tamil Nadu

• Families already enrolled in the Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Beneficiaries with linked bank accounts for DBT

Final details will only be confirmed after the government issues an official order.