Date:25/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052559200800.htm

Tamil Nadu

“Take stringent action against rice smugglers”

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa on Saturday urged the government to take stringent action against those who smuggle the rice meant for public distribution system and sell it in the open market.

“The government must also ensure distribution of 20 kg quality rice to the ration cardholders every month,” she said in a statement.

Alleging that a considerable portion of the rice allotted for PDS was being smuggled out of Tamil Nadu, she said information gathered under the Right to Information Act had revealed that in 2007 alone rice worth Rs. 11 crore had been smuggled.

In Ramanathapuram district, the rice was sold in private shops and a complaint had been registered with the RDO.

Surprise raid by the officials led to unearthing of 105 bags of rice, she said.