Tamil Nadu chief minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo J Jayalalithaa today launched the free rice scheme, which was promised in party's 2011 Assembly manifesto.
The scheme was kick started under the public distribution system at Triplicane Urban Co-operative Society (TUCS) in Alwarpet, Chennai.
The new scheme offers 20 kg free rice to 18.4 million cardholders and 1.86 million Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries. Besides, 35 kg a month will be distributed to the cardholders covered under Antyodaya scheme.
Meanwhile, responding to a question about the increasing theft of ration items from PDS centre, Jayalalithaa said, “Complaints about PDS have never come in the AIADMK regime. If faults have crept in, it would be due to faulty policies by previous DMK government."
Reports say that a flying squad that would carry out surprise checks has been formed in all the districts to monitor the execution of free rice scheme.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app