Date:19/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/19/stories/2008091954940500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

Sub-standard rice not supplied: Minister

Special Correspondent

Complaints filed against PMK, DMDK cadres by Primary Agri. Coop. Stores
Public asked to approach Minister or officials if they have any grievances

SALEM: Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam has warned those who have tried to instigate people against the Government’s Re.1 a kg rice scheme for cheap political gains.

Referring to the allegations that sub-standard rice was supplied in a few fair price shops at Omalur and Kondappanaickenpatti in Salem district, the Minister told reporters on Thursday that those who resorted to such unethical acts and wrong campaigning would be brought before the law. The Minister said secretaries of Primary Agriculture Co-operative Stores in Nallagoundanpatti at Omlaur and Kondappanaickenpatti in Salem blocks had preferred complaints with the police against a few cadres of PMK and DMDK who disrupted the distribution of rice to the card holders on Wednesday.

He claimed that the rice being distributed to the needy for Re 1 a kg was good in quality.

He also asked the public to approach either him or the officials concerned directly if they had any grievances in this regard.