Bedi denies charges over implementation of free rice scheme

Denying the allegation that she is against the implementation of the free rice scheme, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Sunday said she favours rice for the poor and the needy but not through its purchase by the government.

"People themselves through the money transferred to their bank accounts directly could purchaseclean and fresh rice from the market and could also buy rice according to the quantity they want," she said in a whatsapp message.

Reacting to a report in a section of the press that she is against the free rice scheme, the former IPS officer said, "We are for the people being given the money to buy the rice themselves."
This system of crediting the cash equivalent of rice to the bank accounts of beneficiaries would also help prevent leakage and corruption along the way, she said adding that "this process also avoids long distance transport costs which are very expensive adding to the burden on the budget."
She said in her whatsapp message that the traders within Puducherry would also gain as the traders would purchase the rice from our own farmers instead of 'our money going to another state.'
She said if any beneficiary faced difficulty they could approach the department or her office and 'we will help the people.'