Effort to ensure proper quantity of commodities: Minister
Bus crew to monitor passengers carrying Public Distribution System items
574 bogus cards in Theni and 1,973 in Dindigul districts seized
THENI: Electronic weighing machines will replace manual weights and measurements in all ration shops in the State, said Food Minister A.. Velu
The move is aimed at supplying essential commodities in correct measurements to cardholders.
Talking to presspersons here on Friday, he said that several complaints had been received over the quantity of goods sold at ration shops. To eliminate this, electronic machines would be introduced so that cardholders could also check measurements on the digital display.
“Efforts are on to supply ‘atta’ through ration shops. Stringent action has been initiated against smuggling of PDS items to neighbouring states. Transport corporation authorities will be advised to instruct the crew to monitor transportation of rice in buses. If cardholders produced ration card and the bill, they will not be disturbed because several labourers in Tamil Nadu have been working in farms in Kerala,” he added.
New cards
New cards have to be issued to 1,921 applicants in Theni, 17,038 in Madurai and 4,884 in Dindigul districts. Already, 5,044 applicants in Theni, 37,060 in Madurai and 18,786 in Dindigul districts had received cards.
A total of 574 bogus cards in Theni 994 in Madurai and 1,973 in Dindigul had been seized, 693 abduction cases filed and goods worth Rs.41.53 lakhs seized in three districts.
Off take of commodities was 84 per cent in Madurai, 86 per cent in Theni and 78 per cent in Dindigul districts this year.
Expressing grave concern over the pathetic condition of several ration shops, Mr. Velu assured to renovate all shops in phased manner. New buildings, if necessary, would also be constructed with MLA and MP Constituency Development Fund.
Responding to irregularities in ration shops, verification of ‘A’ Register would suffice to detect most of the irregularities.
Revenue officials must check ‘A’ register and route charts. A complaint register must be kept in each shop, he ordered.
Earlier, he presided over a review meeting with district supply officials in Madurai, Dindigul and Theni districts. Additional Commissioner for Civil Supplies Chandramohan accompanied him.
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