CHENNAI: Distribution of Pongal gift hampers has been delayed for a section of beneficiaries as many ration card holders travelled to their native places during the festival, officials said. The Tamil Nadu government has decided to resume distribution at ration shops once beneficiaries return, with an official announcement expected in the next few days.

Officials said over 90 per cent of eligible beneficiaries have already received the Pongal gift hampers, which include Rs 3,000 in cash, one kg of brown rice, one kg of sugar and a sugarcane. The remaining hampers, along with the cash assistance, are likely to be distributed by the end of this month, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

The scheme, expected to benefit 2.22 crore rice ration card holders, was launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin on January 8 at Alandur in Chennai.

Following the launch, tokens were issued to around 300 beneficiaries per ration shop daily, and distribution was extended to Bhogi day on January 14 to improve coverage. The scheme is expected to cover 2.22 crore rice ration card holders.