96 pc distribution of Rs 1,000 dole over, State govt tells HC

Additional Advocate General (AAG) PH Arvindh Pandian made the submission before a division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice R Hemalatha that was hearing two petitions that sought distribution of cash and essential commodities at the doorstep of all ration cardholders.

The AAG further submitted that there was overcrowding only because cash subsidy was given this month; from next month, there would be no such problem.

“Guidelines have been issued to follow social distancing while distribution in the ration shops. If there is any difficulty in maintaining social distancing, appropriate steps would be taken by the authorities,” he added. Recording the submissions, the bench disposed of both the pleas.

During the earlier hearing, the AAG had stated that tokens had been distributed at the doorsteps,

adding that the authorities had taken steps to ensure that there were not more than 100 persons at one counter in a day for collecting their cash subsidy and essential food items.

He had also submitted that it was not practically possible to distribute the essential items like food grains at the doorsteps of ration cards holders due to the difficulties involved, like moving all the records from one place to another.