Free rice scheme to continue: CM

Puducherry, Apr 9 (UNI) The Puducherry administration would continue with the free rice scheme, Chief Minister N Rangasamy today informed the Legislative Assembly.

Replying to a calling attention motion tabled by Mr A Anbazhagan (AIADMK), the Chief Minister said the scheme formed part of the election manifesto and ten kg rice free rice supplied to all ration card holders in the union territory till March this year.

There was a confusion on whether the scheme should cover only the BPL families. Since it was welcomed by all, it was decided to continue with the scheme.

Participating in a short duration discussion on the subject, Mr Anzbazhagan said the administration should not only provide ten kg free rice to those above poverty line (ABL) but also an additional five kg to the BPL families.

Leader of the Opposition A M H Nazeem said the calling attention motion was a drama. He wanted to know the neccesity for the motion when the chief minister had already announced the continuation of the scheme.

Provoked by this, Mr Anbazhagan said he wanted rice to be supplied at Rs two per kg as in Tamil Nadu and was not for the free rice scheme. He wondered if he (Mr Nazeem) was reflecting the DMK's stance.

Mr Nazeem said his desire was to emulate Tamil Nadu but at the same time welcomed the free rice scheme here.

UNI