TN Govt Turns Down Centre's Order to Distribute 3 Months' Ration at One Go

Cites logistical issues in carrying large quantities of rice, limited storage space in ration shops

- B ANBUSELVAN @Chennai

The Tamil Nadu government has turned down the union government's directive to distribute three months' entitlement of rice and wheat in advance to NFSA (National Food Security Act) cardholders.

In May, the Union Food department had asked Tamil Nadu and other states to supply food grains for June, July, and August in one go to NFSA beneficiaries. It had directed the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to coordinate with the state government for advance lifting and distribution.

The centre attributed the decision to the need to avoid losses due to adverse weather conditions and other factors.

The directive from the Deputy Director of the Statistics division, Department of Food and Public Distribution, advised states to lift food grains in advance and ensure immediate distribution, citing the upcoming monsoon season and the anticipated logistical and storage challenges caused by adverse weather conditions such as floods.