PDS spices scheme launched in Villupuram, Cuddalore

CUDDALORE: Unmindful of the carping criticism from cynics Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has been continuing with his good works by launching a series of welfare measures for the sake of the poor and the downtrodden, according to Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy.

They were speaking at different functions held in Cuddalore and Villupuram to inaugurate the supply of spices and condiments at concessional prices through fair price shops.

Mr. Panneerselvam inaugurated the scheme at Kurinjipadi near here on Friday, said, the new package would cost about Rs.80 in the open market, but by getting it for Rs.50, the poor could save about Rs.30. The daily-wage earners would be greatly benefited by the rice for Re.1-a-kg scheme, he said. Though this scheme would entail huge losses to the government, it would not mind bearing the cost for the sake of the economically weaker sections, Mr. Panneerselvam said.

The free colour television scheme, distribution of house site pattas, old age pension and financial assistance to pregnant women were some of the schemes meant for the uplift of the poor.

Inaugurating the scheme at Vikkiravandi in Villupuram district, Mr. Ponmudy said that when the Rs.2-a-kg rice scheme was launched, the Opposition parties raised doubts over its feasibility.

But, rice was at present being supplied at Re.1 a kg and the Opposition could not comment about it. Mr. Ponmudy said that banning smoking in public places was a welcome move.

But certain parties were harping on closure of the TASMAC outlets through launching agitation by women. He said prohibition could not be introduced in isolation or only in certain States; only when there was a Central law on prohibition it could be implemented in full measure.

Cuddalore Collector Rajendra Ratnoo said it was the Tamil Nadu government that had lined up a series of schemes for covering the entire span of man’s life – from pregnancy to death.

At Vikkiravandi, Villupuram Collector R. Palanisamy, and MLAs S. Pushparaj, T. Thirunavukkarasu, V. Kannan and T. Udayasuryan participated.