The family card holders in the state could get subsidized ration items, as usual and there would be no change in the disbursing ration products through the Public distribution system (PDS) across the state, said Kamaraj, State Food Minister.
Minister Kamaraj, this afternoon convened a press conference after doubts are being raised about the ration items being purchased in usual rates and family cards being cancelled for certain beneficiaries.
"National Food Security Act, a central scheme is being implemented in Tamilnadu, under which free rice is being distributed to poorer sections of society. Free rice from 20 kg to 35 kg is distributed to poor families under this scheme and as per the mandatory conditions the stipulations are published in government gazette to avail the benefits under the scheme. But the rules would not apply on the ground and there would be no change in distributing the ration items to the beneficiaries. All card holders can still continue to avail the benefits under the public distribution system, with no change in status quo" Minister affirmed.
Tamilnadu has one of the strongest public distribution system, where subsidized essential items are being distributed to the people and it would continue to be so, he added.