Mon Jan 06 17:26:38 UTC 2025: ## CPI Opposes Puducherry’s Direct Benefit Transfer for Pongal Assistance
**Puducherry, January 7, 2025** – The Communist Party of India (CPI) in Puducherry has urged the territorial government to reconsider its decision to distribute Pongal assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The government plans to transfer ₹750 to the bank accounts of ration card holders.
CPI Puducherry unit secretary A. M. Saleem criticized the move, arguing that the Pongal gift items should be distributed through Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets instead. He cited public opposition to the DBT model, referencing the ruling AINRC-BJP combine’s defeat in the Puducherry Lok Sabha seat last year as evidence of this discontent. The government had previously reopened ration shops after facing backlash over the DBT implementation for a free rice scheme. Saleem contends that reverting to the PDS method would be more effective and better received by the public.
First Piper 