Subsidised rice to APL families in Uttarakhand

"The APL families will be benefited under the scheme, which will provide rice at discounted rates," state's finance minister Indira Hridayesh told reporters here.

She said the Centre had given assurance to state government that it was ready to give rice at subsidised rates to APL families in the state.

"The recent economic reforms has troubled the common man, hence the decision will give some relief to them," she said.

The final rate will be decided after getting quota of rice from the Centre, she said.

Replying to a query on decision of Congress-ruled states to raise the cap on subsidised cylinders from six to nine, she said it would impact the state exchequer but, "we are committed to do so for public welfare."

Countering the BJP over FDI in retail, she blamed opposition for spreading apprehensions regarding the issue and said small retailers will not be affected it.