The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked about ₹256.9 crore for the free supply of ‘tur dal’, palm oil and sugar to ration cardholders through the public distribution system in July. The government set apart ₹28 crore for free additional entitlement of 5 kg to every beneficiary covered under 85.99 lakh non-priority household ration cards. Though the original expenditure was put at ₹146 crore, the government hoped to save ₹118 crore by getting pulses free from the Centre. Hence, only ₹28 crore was required additionally. Beneficiaries under 1.11 crore priority household cards and Antyodaya Anna Yojana cards holders will get free additional entitlement, thanks to the Centre’s decision.

Source: The Hindu July 04, 2020 18:44 UTC