DMK leader M. Karunanidhi on Saturday urged the Centre to reject the recommendations of Shanta Kumar panel as it would pave way for closure of public distribution system in a State like Tamil Nadu. In a statement here, he said if the recommendations of the panel appointed by Prime Minister to restructure the Food Corporation of India (FCI) were accepted it would bring down the rice allocation to Tamil Nadu to 14.80 lakh tonnes. In such a situation, the State government would have to spend more for rice subsidy, he pointed out. “It would force a State government to spend an additional Rs. 1,000 crore for food subsidy. The Centre should reject the recommendations and ensure food security for the people,” he said, asking the Centre to implement the National Food Security Act to protect the poor and middle class people.
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