Distribution of free rice through fair price shops in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts began on Wednesday without any fanfare. It was business as usual in over 3,300 fair price shops in both the districts.
Since it happened to be the beginning of the month, some of the shops attracted good number of ration card-holders as usual. Otherwise, no heavy rush was seen anywhere in these districts.
The assurance given by the officials that adequate quantity of rice stocks were kept in the fair price shops to meet the requirements of all eligible card-holders and moreover they could lift their entitlements on any day of the given month had removed anxiety among people.
What surprised the card-holders was that neither was it made a political function nor a government function. But for the small handbills declaring that free rice would be made available from June 1, pasted on the doors and walls of the fair price shops, there were no big banners or hoardings proclaiming the scheme.
The card-holders were more than happy to get free rice, for which they profusely thanked Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. However, what was still causing concern among home makers, such as Madhi and Selvi who came to get rice at Vandipalayam shop, was that the prices of other essential commodities were still ruling high in the markets.
In Cuddalore district, Collector in-charge C.Rajendran, along with Public Relations Officer Pon.Muthiah, inspected the fair price shops at Kondur and Padhirikuppam.
He said that there were a total number of 6,38,525 card-holders in the district, of whom 5,57,071 were eligible to get free rice and 81,454 were beneficiaries of the Antyodaya Annayojana scheme (entitled to 35 kg of rice each a month).
There were a total number of 1,360 fair price shops in the district, of which 1,123 were running full time, 227 part time and 10 manned by self-help groups.
In Villupuram district, Collector R.Palanisamy inaugurated the supply of free rice at Poonthottam.
He said that of the total number of 8,95,886 card-holders in the district, 7,81,034 were eligible to get free rice and 1,09,987 were covered under the Antyodaya Annayojana scheme.
If there were any complaints regarding quality or quantity or availability of rice supplied through fair price shops the card holders could contact 044-28592858 or the toll free number 1070.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Vijayakant inaugurated the scheme at the Keezhathaazhanur cooperative society-run fair price shop at Thirukkoilur block in Rishvandhiyam Assembly constituency on Wednesday.
He also held talks with the officials on the development works to be undertaken in the constituency and how places of worship there could be improved.
