THENI: A special flying squad led by Deputy Superintendent of Police will be constituted in border districts to prevent smuggling of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice , said Food Minister E.V. Velu.

Talking to media persons after reviewing the PDS at a meeting at the Collectorate here on Wednesday, he said rice smuggling was high in Coimbatore, Nagercoil, Krishnagiri, Theni and Tirunelveli districts. Food Cell alone could not monitor smuggling effectively. Hence, the formation of the squad. Stern action would be taken against those involved in rice smuggling.

Ration rice worth Rs. 94.47 lakh and kerosene worth Rs. 4.17 lakh were seized so far during surprise raids. About 160 cases were filed against rice smugglers.

Procurement price

"We have sufficient stock of rice for distribution to cardholders. At present, the State has 10 lakh tonnes of rice and two lakh tonnes of paddy. And steps have been taken to procure rice from farmers in delta districts. A meeting with farmers will be convened for July 11 in Thanjavur to decide the procurement price for paddy."

A special committee was verifying Below Poverty Line beneficiaries receiving 35 kg rice. After verification, genuine beneficiaries would get 35 kg of rice at Rs. 2 a kg.

Inspects shops

Earlier, Mr. Velu inspected ration shops at Allinagaram, NRT Nagar, P.C. Patti and Forest Road in the town.

Cardholders complained that sales men were not opening the shops in time. The Minister took to task sales men at Alli Nagaram for selling old stock of rice.

District Collector Rajesh Lakhoni and Joint Registrar of Cooperatives N. Vilvasekaran were present.

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