CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday launched the distribution of the Pongal gift hampers and the cash component of Rs 1,000 to rice card holders through Fair Price Shops.

He also launched the distribution of free dhotis and sarees to beneficiaries.

"I launched the distribution of Pongal gift hampers to bring joy to the homes of the Tamil people. Let equality and fraternity flourish in our hearts and homes and fill us with joy everywhere, " Stalin said after launching the scheme at the TUCS ration shop in Alwarpet here.

The ration shop employees kept the gift hampers containing one kg each of raw rice and sugar, one sugarcane.

Along with the gift hampers, Stalin distributed Rs 1,000 in cash to the beneficiaries.

After receiving the Pongal gift hampers, the beneficiaries happily thanked the Chief Minister.

As Chief Minister Stalin launched the distribution of Pongal gift hampers in the State Capital, other Ministers and MLAs launched the scheme across the state on Wednesday.

Tokens for Pongal gift hampers had already been distributed to all rice card holders across the state.

It has been announced that 150 to 200 rice card holders will be given Pongal gift hampers every day till January 13, based on tokens.

2,19,57,402 rice card holders are going to benefit through this scheme.

Ministers R Sakkarapani, KR Periyakaruppan, M Subramanian, PK Sekarbabu, MLA D Velu and other officials were present during the inaugural ceremony.