Puducherry: The distribution of free rice and sugar for the Deepavali festival will start on October 21, according to Chief Minister N. Rangasamy. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he confirmed that preparations are underway to provide the announced gift of 10 kg rice and 2 kg sugar to all ration cardholders through fair-price shops, reports The Hindu.
He also mentioned that ration shops were being reopened that had been closed, as the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, under which cash instead of rice is transferred, had been implemented. He informed the people that Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets would be opened on October 21 and people would get free rice each month for red card holders. He added that funds for paying the salaries of employees at these outlets have already been allocated.
