Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

Ryots will get 30 kg rice a month

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI JAN. 31 . Responding to Opposition criticism and requests from agriculturists' associations, the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, today announced a modified scheme for farmers and farm labourers, replacing free noon meal with supply of 30 kg of rice a month for each family.

In her reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address in the Assembly, she said the rice, to be given in two instalments of 15 kg, could be collected from fair price shops. Coupons for free rice would be issued immediately.

Insisting that she was receptive to suggestions, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the meal scheme beneficiaries found it difficult to avail themselves of food as they had to go for work, and the place of work was away from the meal centres.

Ms. Jayalalithaa also announced the launch of a special employment scheme in the delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Perambalur, Karur, Cuddalore and Namakkal from tomorrow. The Rs. 217.09-crore employment scheme, which includes rural development works, desilting of canals, digging of wells and laying roads, would be extended to other drought-affected districts within a week.

The Centre had approved from the National Calamities Contingency Fund Rs. 228.30 crores, which was more than what was sanctioned to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Orissa. After considering the funds already available with the State, the Centre released Rs. 133.06 crores.

Referring to the New Veeranam Scheme, Ms. Jayalalithaa said feasibility studies in the last nine years confirmed water availability for both irrigation in the lake areas and drinking purposes in Chennai.

All steps were being taken to realise the full quota of water under the Krishna water project from Andhra Pradesh.

The wasteland development scheme was being implemented in two parts: participatory watershed management of patta land of farmers and leasing of government wasteland for development by corporates, small companies and cooperatives. Farmers had shown interest in developing their patta land.

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