Jaya clarifies on free rice offer

Theni, Tamil Nadu, Apr 19 (UNI) AIADMK Supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today clarified that her poll promise of ten kg free rice through the public distribution system (PDS) carried no condition and there was no necessity for people to buy another ten kg of rice at the rate of Rs 3.50 to avail the offer.

Continuing her nearly three-week-long electioneering at Allinagaram in the district, Ms Jayalalithaa said a section of the media deliberately distorted her announcement of free rice by projecting that people could get ten kg of free rice only if they bought a similar quantum of rice by paying Rs 35.

Of the 20 kg of rice being offered through PDS outlets every month, ten kg could be got absolutely free.

''If a family decides that 10 kg of rice is enough for them, they can take it free. Only if they wanted ten kg more, they have to pay Rs 3.50 per kg. There is no condition to avail the offer,'' she said.

UNI AKN GM RL BST1947