CHENNAI: In a major relief for pensioners, the Pongal bonus for pensioners and family pensioners under the C and D categories has been increased to Rs. 1,000 from the existing Rs. 500, beginning this Pongal festival. The announcement, made by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in April 2025, has now been implemented.

In a statement issued by the government said that, present employees and teachers belonging to the C and D categories will receive a maximum Pongal bonus of Rs  3,000. Employees working on consolidated pay, those receiving special time-scale pay, and full-time or part-time employees who have completed at least 240 days of service during the 2024–25 financial year will receive a special bonus of Rs. 1,000.

Pensioners and family pensioners under the C and D categories, former Village Administrative Officers, village assistants, and other individual pensioners will also receive a Pongal bonus of Rs 1,000. For this initiative, the State government has allocated Rs. 183.86 crore, benefiting around 9.90 lakh employees and pensioners.

As per the Chief Minister’s Assembly announcement, the increase in the Pongal bonus from Rs 500 to Rs. 1,000 will benefit nearly 4.71 lakh pensioners and family pensioners, resulting in an additional expenditure of Rs. 20 crore.

To further support pensioners during the festive season, the existing festival advance has been enhanced from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000. This measure will benefit around 52,000 pensioners and involve an additional expenditure of Rs.10 crore.

Following the allocation of funds for the Pongal gift hamper, the government has also announced bonuses for employees, teachers, and pensioners. In addition, the Tamil Nadu government has commissioned the production of 1.77 crore dhotis and an equal number of sarees for the 2026 Pongal celebrations.

The Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi Department has allocated nearly Rs 100 crore for yarn procurement and wages for weavers. This initiative will benefit around 63,000 power looms across the State. The free dhotis and sarees will be distributed to ration card holder and beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Scheme.