On the auspicious day of Amavasya (new moon day), Ms J. Jayalalithaa, started her first public event after becoming the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. She launched the monthly distribution of 20 kg rice free of cost to nearly 1.84 crore ration card holders in the State.
She also launched the distribution of 35 kg rice free of cost to 18.62 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana card holders (poorest of the poor) at the Alwarpet Tamil Nadu Urban Cooperative Society ration shop.
The free distribution of rice commenced at the auspicious time between 9.30 am and 10.30 am. It was just a 20 minute function.
The Chief Minister came to the TUCS shop at 10.10 a.m. and distributed rice bags to 13 people. She left the scene at 10.30 a.m.
The Civil Supplies Department had made very simple arrangement for the event, which was attended by all Cabinet Ministers.
The Department has made arrangements for distribution of rice in 32,571 ration shops across the State.
Every month the rice — either raw or boiled —- will be distributed to the card holders, according to a State government press release.
Through the ration shops, the State Government has been providing 3.81 lakh tonnes of standardised rice. The rice will be distributed proportionate to the number of members in a family — from 12-20 kg a month per card — except in the Nilgiris where the minimum is 16 kg and maximum is 24 kg per card.
The new rice scheme was in the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam election manifesto. This is the first of the various schemes, including free laptops to college students and free gold for ‘Thaali'.