AP to provide Rs 2-a-kg-rice to BPL families

Vijayawada, Mar 16 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today reiterated that the Rs two-a-kg-rice scheme would be provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the state from next month.

Addressing a public meeting at Gunadala near here, he said in view of the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, the State Government had decided to implement the scheme.

Dr Reddy said during his government's four year rule, it had fulfilled the promises made to the people prior to the elections by providing free houses to the poor and white ration cards to the eligible people.

The government had also increased the monthly pension to Rs 200 for the old aged people, widows and physically-challenged persons, he said.

He said about 21,000 houses would be constructed in the Vijayawada city by this year end for the socially backward people.

Later, the Chief Minister distributed bank linkage loans of Rs 40 crore at 25 paise interest to DWACRA Groups under the Indira Kranti Padakam.

UNI CS DS RL KN1816