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Tamil Nadu Sets Jan 2 Token Deadline for Pongal Hampers as Cash Replaces Sarees and Veshtis

Officials will rely on staggered slots, fixed staffing levels, daily online updates to curb crowding.

Overview

  • Fair price shops must complete door-to-door token delivery by January 2, with each token listing a date and time for collection.
  • Collection is capped at 100 beneficiaries per session, rising to 150–200 at larger outlets to manage footfall across morning and evening slots.
  • Only ration shop staff may distribute tokens, while police provide security where needed; tokens target eligible rice ration cardholders and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.
  • Shops must deploy at least two staff for up to 1,500 ration cards and three for more, maintain street‑wise beneficiary lists and ensure adequate hamper stocks.
  • For 2026, the package includes 4 kg rice, sugar, green gram, 300 g ghee and 1 litre sunflower oil, and from January 3 the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department will credit Rs 500 to single-member cards and Rs 1,000 to larger cards in lieu of sarees and veshtis.