Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan advocates for the distribution of Rs. 2000 as Pongal gift to all families in Tamil Nadu, criticizing the government's decision to limit the festival package.
Coimbatore: In a recent statement, Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan expressed strong disapproval of the Tamil Nadu government's decision to discontinue the traditional Pongal cash gift of Rs. 1000. She emphasized the cultural significance of Pongal, a major harvest festival, and its importance in thanking the sun and cattle. For several years, the government provided essentials like raw rice, sugar, sugarcane, and Rs. 1000 cash through ration shops for the festival. However, this year's announcement limited the gift to only rice, sugar, and sugarcane, causing disappointment among the public. Srinivasan stressed that not providing the Rs. 1000 cash gift and flood relief in various districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and others, is unjustifiable. She strongly urged that the government should immediately provide a Pongal gift of at least Rs. 2000 to all families in Tamil Nadu and include additional items like jaggery, cashews, raisins, and Aavin ghee in the festival package.