The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Sale of subsidised spices part of measures against price rise: Stalin

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Sale of subsidised spices part of measures against price rise: Stalin

Staff Reporter

Sale at PDS shop inaugurated in various parts of the city

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin launching the subsidised sale of spices and condiments at T. Nagar on Friday.

CHENNAI: The sale of subsidised spices/condiments through the public distribution system (PDS) was inaugurated in various parts of the city on Friday.

Inaugurating the sale at a fair price shop in Chepauk, Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin said that the Centre and the State were taking effective measures to control the rise in prices of essential commodities. The sale of spices/condiments through the PDS is part of the measures initiated by the State government.

The package sold through the PDS at a subsidised price of Rs.50 contains 10 separate packets of various items, including turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder and fenugreek.

“People can either buy the package as a whole or buy any of the 10 items separately by paying the required amount,” said Mr. Stalin. According to Mr. Stalin, 18.14 lakh family card-holders would benefit from the scheme.

“We are happy. This [package] will be sufficient for 10 days,” said G. Gowri from a five-member household, who was among the first few to purchase the package.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi formally launched the scheme in the State at a function here on Thursday.

“We are testing the market. Based on the requirements of the people, the department will provide the PDS outlets with the necessary quantity of the spices/condiments. The 10 items would be made available individually within a few days,” said K. Rajaraman, Civil Supplies Commissioner told The Hindu.

The scheme was inaugurated in the Sevenwells area by Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan, in Anna Nagar by Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami, in Perambur by Fisheries Minister K.P.P. Sami, in Egmore by Minister for Information Parithi Illamvazhuthi, and in Triplicane by the Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Commission M. Naganathan.

Inaugurating the scheme at a PDS shop in T. Nagar, Mayor M. Subramanian urged the people to make optimum use of the scheme.

Inaugurating the scheme at a PDS outlet in Uthiramerur near Kancheepuram on Friday, Labour Welfare Minister T. M. Anbarasan said the DMK government had almost fulfilled its promises within two-and-half-years of its rule.

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