In Tamil Nadu, Ration Rice was supplied at Rs.1/- per Kg. by the previous DMK Government and now at free of cost by the present AIADMK Government to about 1.82 crore card holders, which includes middle income and higher income groups. This is because, the income of the card holders was taken based on the income they earned several years back. On account of it, more than 50% of the card holders don't receive their quota of rice. 25% of the card holders,who receive their quota of rice, don't use it for the purpose for which it is supplied. The real beneficiary is only 25% . Most of the rice are reported to be sold at Rs.5/- per Kg. in the open market from the Ration Shops. Any one can get any amount of rice at this rate. The rice purchased illegally are reported to be transported to Kerala and Andra Predesh at a higher rate of Rs.15/- to Rs.20/- per Kg. We can see the illegal sale and transport of rice in the Newspaper daily.
Every year, Tamil Nadu Government is spending about Rs.4,500/- crores towards Rice subsidy. If the present income of the card holders are collected and new ration card issued based on it next year, free rice can be supplied only to the needy. If it is done, major portion of the subsidy amount will be saved and the amount can be utilized for some other useful purposes, since the financial position of the Tamil Nadu Government is very critical due to the mismanagement of the previous Government. I hope, the Tamil Nadu Government will do this.
Every year, Tamil Nadu Government is spending about Rs.4,500/- crores towards Rice subsidy. If the present income of the card holders are collected and new ration card issued based on it next year, free rice can be supplied only to the needy. If it is done, major portion of the subsidy amount will be saved and the amount can be utilized for some other useful purposes, since the financial position of the Tamil Nadu Government is very critical due to the mismanagement of the previous Government. I hope, the Tamil Nadu Government will do this.