Chennai, Aug 15: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today announced a roll-back in the price of rice sold through the Public Distribution System and declared the restoration of "free saree and dhoti" scheme for the poor and landless agricultural labourers.
"The new price of rice will come into effect from September and the distribution of free saree and dhoti from Pongal (January 2004) for which the government will earmark Rs 100 crore", she said addressing people from the ramparts of fort St George after unfurling the tri-colour to mark the country's 57th Independence day.
The restoration of the saree and dhoti scheme would benefit poor handloom weavers, she pointed out.
Referring to the reduction in the price of PDS rice, she said that from October 01 last, 10 kgs were supplied at Rs 3.50 per kg and 10 kgs at Rs 6 per kg. "From next month all the 20 kgs will be sold at Rs 3.50 per kg," she added.
Jayalalithaa also announced that all hamlets in the state would be electrified by 2005, well ahead of the national deadline of 2012.
Bureau Report