Date:02/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/02/stories/2009010258570300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Pongal pack distribution begins

Staff Reporter

7.74 lakh cardholders to benefit from the scheme

— Photo: M. Moorthy

Sweet pack: Collector T. Soundaiah distributing the ingredients for ‘Sweet Pongal’ and saris to one of the beneficiaries in Tiruchi on Thursday.

TIRUCHI: A total of 7,74,290 cardholders in the district will get the ‘Pongal’ free pack of rice, jaggery, green-gram, cashew, cardamom and dry grapes, the District Collector T. Soundaiah said on Thursday.

Speaking after inaugurating the distribution of the packs to the cardholders at the fair price shop of Chinthamani Supermarket at Puthur in the city, Mr. Soundaiah said that the district administration has made all arrangements for proper distribution of the packs to the eligible cardholders.

Later, the Collector inaugurated the distribution of free saris and dhotis to those belonging to economically weaker sections, at the Cooperative marketing stores in Woraiyur. He said that as many as 5.77 lakh men and 5.69 women in the district would benefit under the scheme.

The District Revenue Officer, P. Srivenkatapriya; the Joint Registrar of Co-operatives, R.M. Jayampandian; the District Supply Officer, G. Rajasekaran were among those present.