Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary, Department of Food and Consumer Protection, inaugurated the cooking gas cyliinder distribution scheme at fair price shops in Vadakovai. He personally inspected various fair price shops in Coimbatore.
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Government had earlier announced that the cylinder distribution scheme at ration shops would be launched soon.
With the project kick-starting in various districts, the Principal Secretary of Food and Consumer Protection Department, Radhakrishnan inaugurated the project of cooking gas cylinder distribution scheme at the fair price shop in the city's Vadakovai area.
Later, Radhakrishnan addressed a press conference and spoke about the 69th Co-operative State Festival to be held and various other new schemes, including loan waivers.
"The scheme of selling 2 kg and 5 kg gas cylinders at fair price shops has been launched in 12 districts of Tamil Nadu thus far. The State Government in collaboration with The Indian Oil Corporation has implemented the project. This will benefit the workers, those who set up shops on the roads and platforms, students, those who stay outside the city and go to work and even fishermen.
Further, submitting various documents for obtaining gas cylinders has been avoided. Gas cylinders can be easily obtained by providing only address information. It can be easily carried from one place to another. This will greatly reduce the illegal use of gas cylinders," explained Radhakrishnan.
"The 69th Co-operative State Festival will be held on Saturday at the CODISSIA premises in Coimbatore with various Ministers chairing the event. Certificates of appreciation will be presented to the Co-operative societies for their outstanding performance on the occasion and various new schemes, including loan waiver, will be introduced. Various steps are being taken as per the guidance of the Chief Minister and the Minister to take the Cooperative sector forward with renewed vigour. In particular, 5164 fair price shops in the State have been certified with ISO certification. 2952 shops have been renovated.
The TN Chief Minister, M K Stalin has ordered to give more importance to the Delta districts as far as loans are concerned. Loans worth Rs. 1,231 crore have been disbursed to 1,88,000 farmers through 697 farmer unions. Loans worth Rs. 801 crore have been disbursed to farmers from areas where animal husbandry is concentrated, including Coimbatore district. This year, 8.47 metric tonnes of paddy has been procured and Rs. 216.8 crore has been disbursed to 1.21 lakh farmers. Various measures are being taken to prevent smuggling of ration rice.
In particular, steps are being taken to prevent trafficking through biometric and corneal testing. It is to be noted that food security was ensured by distributing food items through ration shops during the Covid period. Steps are being taken to provide fortified rice in the coming years," concluded the Food Safety Secretary, Radhakrishnan.
Coimbatore District Revenue Officer, Leela Alex was also present at the inauguration.
The Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Co-operation is expected to also personally inspect various fair price shops in Coimbatore.