All BPL families will get 2,000 dole: Sellur Raju

Speaking to reporters, the Minister also said the PM Kisan scheme, announced by the Centre, is gaining pace in the State. Several eligible BPL families will get a total of Rs 4,000, which includes the Central government's assistance, he said.

“Account details of all the farmers are being synchronised and the State will ensure timely release of the Central sponsored Kisan scheme. As far as the State government's assistance is concerned, the scheme is on the track,” he said.

The Minister added that the census data taken in 2004 is now outdated, due to deaths and migration of families. A fresh enumeration is being undertaken to ensure no BPL family is left out. “The state project will commence after the enumeration,” Raju said.

According to him, in the past seven years, the cooperatives bank has distributed farm loans to the tune of Rs 40,000 crore benefitting 79 lakh farmers through banks located in all 32 districts. Jewel loans are also being provided by the cooperative banks to fight the evil of usury, h said.

Commenting on the political developments in the state, Raju said alliance talks with the DMDK are under way.

"The AIADMK is strong party. We hope that the alliance gets stronger. On the other hand, the DMK has lost the momentum. The DMK-Congress combine will not be spared by Tamils for thier anti-public policies in the past. AIADMK leaders Palaniswami and and Panneerselvam are taking the party in right direction and the poll results will be in favour of the ruling party," Raju said.

A section of legislators both in the ruling AIADMK and the DMK are upset with the state civil supplies department for distributing ration provisions in unhygienic PDS shops in Chennai and Kancheepuram district.

“Ration shops in Chennai continue to be in unhygienic condition due to lack of funds and dedicated space. I have been forced to run from pillar to post to get the unhygienic ration shops shifted from shoddy place to a better place,” Egmore DMK MLA Ravichandran said. He pointed out that he has raised the issues in ward 58 and ward 107 where the ration materials are stocked along with sewer overflows. “I had also raised the issue in the state assembly and the state ministers assured action. More than six months have passed. But there is no action from the state,” he said.

“Despite being a ruling party MLA, I had to put a sorry face with the public whenever they bring issues related to ration shops as there is no clear plan to keep the ration shops hygienic,” said another ruling party MLA

A senior government official, when contacted, said that the issue will be studied for necessary action.