Tamil Nadu increases food subsidy to Rs 5,300 cr

Plans to open low-cost pharmacies

As part of its effort to ease burden on the rising inflation, Tamil Nadu Government has increased its food subsidy to Rs 5,300 crore. Besides, the State administration decided to launch low cost pharmacy chains.

Earlier the State Government announced launch of low-cost canteens, low-cost mineral water, low-cost and low-cost food and vegetable stores.

During his Budget speech at the State Assembly today, State  Finance Minister O Panneerselvam came heavily on the Centre in his speech for the increase in cost of essential products.

He said, to ease the pressure the State Government has been taking various effects. This year food subsidy has been increased to Rs 5,300 crore from Rs 4,900 crore in 2013-14, which was later revised to Rs 5,000 crore.

Besides, the State Government has been supplying essential products like rice, dhal, pal oil and others through its public distribution scheme (PDS and the State Government also opened low-cost canteens, low-cost food and vegetable shops and in line with that to launch "Amma Pharmacy".

He said, already 210 medical chains are operated by State co-operatives and another 100 will be opened. Besides  it was decided to launch "Amma Pharmacy".  It may be noted that the Chief Minister of the State, J Jayalalithaa has been called as Amma (mother) by her followers and well wishers.

"These medical shops run to ensure the sale of medicines at resonable prices to the public. A sum of Rs 20 crore will be used from the Price Stabilisation Fund," said the State Finance Minister.

He noted, the State Government currently operates 297 Amma Canteens, a low cost canteen where Idly was served was Re 1 and variety rice for Rs 5 across the State.

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