''Arrest those involved in smuggling'': Velu

Chennai, Dec 4 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Food and Civil Supplies Minister E V Velu today directed officials concerned to arrest those involved in smuggling of PDS rice.

Chairing a review meeting here, he said smuggling of rice should be prevented at any cost and directed the officials to arrest those smugglers against whom the warrents were pending.

The law and order police should take stringent measures to prevent smuggling of rice and continuously monitor the godowns in ports, where rice was stocked for export, he added.

Mr Velu also directed the officials to keep a watch on movement of vehicles transporting rice and initiate criminal proceedings against those selling rice in black market.

On issuance of new ration cards, he said the cards would be issued to all genuine applicants before the end of this year.

UNI