<span style="color: #222222;">The Puducherry government started crediting 500 rupees cash as Pongal gift into the bank account of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. This money is given instead of the Pongal gift hamper.<br />''<br />''On the occasion of Pongal festival in Puducherry, the government has announced that a package containing 10 products including pacharisi ( rice) and jaggery will be provided. Tenders were floated, but the rates quoted were very high compared to last year's gift hamper. Chief Minister Rengasamy recommended DBT owing to the shortage of time.<br />''<br />''Following the approval of Lieutenant Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, 17.66 crore rupees as Pongal gift paid for 3.53 crore ration cards in the Union Territory.</span><br />