: Chief Minister N Rangasamy today said that each family covered under the Public Distribution system in Puducherry and outlying regions would be issued one kg tur dhal at Rs 140 a kilo,a symbolic measure being launched to ease the hardships of consumers during Diwali.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a 12 day Diwali Special bazaar here, he said consumers could use their family ration cards to get tur dal there.This was a symbolic step to ease the situation as the price of the pulse is ruling high in the open market, he said.
The CM said the special bazaar dealing in all festival related commodities would also make available black gram to consumers at one kg per ration card.
He said ration shops had been directed to immediately supply two kg sugar free of cost to card holders on account of diwali. Free garments would be distributed to members of the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes this festive season.
He said those drawing monthly assistance under old age pension scheme would be handed the amount on Nov 5 as against normal practice of distributing it on the 10th day of every month.
The Diwali special bazaar netted Rs 11 crore last year and this time the earnings would be more than that, he said.
