Govt to launch White card distribution from this month

Hyderabad, May 8 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said that the government will launch distribution of White ration cards from this month.

Addressing a press conference here after presiding over the review meeting on the Rs two per kg rice scheme with the officials concerned, Dr Reddy said the income level was increased to Rs 60,000 from Rs 20,000 in villages and Rs 70,000 from Rs 24,000 in urban areas to get the White ration cards. With this, four per cent beneficiaries would be added additionally to the total number of White card holders.

Stating that the white ration cards would be distributed after the elections in those districts where the bypoll was scheduled he said, the government was also contemplating to bring an ordinance by amending the PDS Act to punish the dealers and buyers who had misused the subsidized rice.

Dr Reddy said, out of 1.87 crore White card holders, 11 lakh beneficiaries have not lifted their due share of rice last month.

The district administration has been asked to submit the report about the details of 11 lakh families by May 15.

Stating that cases were booked against 268 fair price shop dealers who had misused the rice last month, he said the government was committed to provide food security to all by distributing the rice at an affordable price.

UNI AP GKT 2005