On January 1, 2026, Tamil Nadu government announced bonuses and Pongal gifts for the year 2024-25 benefiting over 9.90 lakh employees. The total expenditure will be ₹183.86 crore. Directed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, a bonus up to ₹3,000 is set for ‘C’ and ‘D’ Group employees and teachers. A special ad hoc bonus of ₹1,000 will be given to full- and part-time employees paid from contingencies at fixed monthly rates, including those on consolidated pay or special time-scale who worked at least 240 days during 2024-25. Pensioners from ‘C’ and ‘D’ groups, family pensioners, and former village establishment employees will receive ₹1,000 as a Pongal gift. This announcement brings festive cheer ahead of Pongal for Tamil Nadu's government workforce.