Date:04/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100453130300.htm

Tamil Nadu

“Hunger removal is State Government’s aim”

Special Correspondent

Reghupathy opens distribution of subsidised groceries

FOR THE PEOPLE: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests S. Regupathy, right, inaugurating the sale of spices and condiments at subsidised rates through a fair price shop in Nagapattinam on Friday.

NAGAPPATTINAM: The DMK government was committed to removing hunger irrespective of the cost involved, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest S. Reghupathy said here on Friday.

Inaugurating a programme for distribution of subsidised groceries for the poor at Tirukkuvalai, Mr. Reghupathy said that people who criticised the scheme saying it was only for “glamour” did not realise the importance of these materials for the poor people who could get Rs. 83 worth of items for Rs. 50. This would go a long way in insulating the poor from inflation.

He also said that the current power shortage would be solved by next month and the nuclear deal would provide a long-term solution to the problem.

A.K.S. Vijayan, DMK MP, noted that the government had initiated many schemes for the poorer sections of society, and this was the latest measure to relieve their burden.

He said that he was sad that parties which had appreciated the Rs. 2 a kg rice scheme were now against the Rs. 1 a kilogram scheme.

Collector M. Jayaraman said that all 687 ration shops in the district had received the packets of groceries. Although all 4.33 lakh cardholders might not be able to buy them immediately because the scheme was being implemented in a short time, he said that all steps would be made to procure enough to meet the demand.

He said that orders had been given to give the best quality products in the rice and groceries schemes. He also said that feedback was welcome, and promised to adjust the scheme according to public demand.

He noted that Rs. 9.27 lakh had been spent for giving Rs. 30 subsidy for people with one LPG cylinder.

He also said that nearly Rs. 37.5 lakh would be spent to make Tirukkuvalai a town with many facilities including wide roads, a tourist bungalow and a modern bus stand.

Vedaranyam MLA S. K. Vedaratnam described the steps taken by the DMK to fulfil its election promises. Senior DMK leader A. Ambalavanan said that there were some problems with water not reaching all farmers in Nagappattinam.

But he said that many people were focusing only on the small problems without appreciating the bigger achievements.