CB-CID to probe rice smuggling during DMK rule

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPT. 1. The State Government has ordered a CB-CID inquiry into smuggling of PDS rice during the previous DMK regime, the Food Minister, Mr. P. Dhanapal, told the Assembly today.

During question hour, he said efforts were being taken to ensure that commodities sold through the PDS outlets were of good quality and correct measure.

After the AIADMK Government took over, the monthly rice offtake through the ration shops increased to 1.85 lakh tonnes from 1.65 lakh tonnes in May this year.

Non-issuable rice procured during the DMK regime was segregated and only ``quality'' rice was being distributed through the ration shops.

When Mr. K. Ponmudi (DMK), who was arrested for alleged trespass into a Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation godown at Villupuram in July, sought to know under which rule the MLAs were prohibited from entering ration shops and godowns.

Replying, the Minister merely said the godowns were a ``prohibited area'' and hence, permission had to be sought from appropriate authorities for inspecting them.

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Section  : Southern States
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