Chennai: In a step to ensure that the free
PDS rice reached the intended beneficiaries, Tamil Nadu Chief
Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday directed civil supplies officials
to crack down on fake family cards and smuggling of rice.
She instructed the officials to take strict action
against those who indulged in smuggling of rice meant for the
public distribution system and book them under the Prevention
of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential
Commodities Act.
Application for family cards should be scrutinised and
delivered within 60 days, she said.
She also warned of stern action against those holding
fake family cards and hotels that illegally get free rice
meant for the poor.
The AIADMK goverment is providing 20 kg of free rice to
all family card holders every month, a major poll promise made
by the party during the recent assembly election.
PTI
