CHENNAI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Sunday welcomed the State government’s decision to provide cash assistance of Rs 3,000 along with a Pongal gift hamper to all ration card-holding families ahead of the Thai Pongal festival.

In a statement, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the Tamil Nadu government had already earmarked Rs 248 crore a few days ago to distribute the traditional Pongal gift hamper, comprising 1 kg of raw rice, 1 kg of sugar, and a full-length sugarcane, to ration card holders.

He recalled that, as the customary cash assistance was not provided last year, there had been demands to give Rs 5,000 to families this year.

Against this backdrop, the announcement by Chief Minister MK Stalin that Rs 3,000 would be given as cash assistance along with the Pongal gift was a welcome step, he said.

Veerapandian added that the measure would offer timely relief to households during the festive season and reflect the government’s commitment to supporting people amid rising living costs.

The CPI state executive committee also urged the government to consider extending both the Pongal gift hamper and the cash assistance to families who have applied for ration cards and are awaiting approval.

The party said such an inclusive approach would ensure that no eligible family was left out of the festive support announced by the State.