Date:01/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/01/stories/2008110151840300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

Minister verifies family cards

Staff Reporter

Surprise visit by Food Minister Velu

Efforts on to eliminate bogus ration cards
Officials asked to ensure total accuracy

SALEM: Food Minister A.V. Velu made a surprise visit to a number of households in Omalur block on Friday and verified the family cards.

The State Government has launched a door-to-door exercise to verify all the family cards in order to eliminate bogus cards.

The Minister asked and the people details regarding age and relationship status.

He directed officials to ensure 100 per cent accuracy in the verification exercise.

Interacting with the people, he enquired about the supply of various goods including rice and kerosene under the public distribution system.

The exercise assumes greater significance as it will help the government to ensure the reach of several welfare schemes to the target people, he told the officials.

Mr. Velu visited Theevattipatti, Poosaripatti, Anna Nagar and Puliyampatti villages too.

Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Commissioner K. Rajaraman and senior officials from various departments accompanied the Minister.