Government to continue with rice scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that the government will continue with the scheme to provide rice at Rs 2 per kg for the APL families even after the implementation of Rs 1/ kg rice scheme for BPL families.  Chandy told the Assembly that Rs 1/kg rice scheme will be launched by Onam and that subsidised rice will be provided to all families under the revised BPL list. ‘‘At present, subsidised rice is being given to 20 lakh families. The revised list has 32 lakh families and all of them will be given rice at Rs 1 per kg before Onam,’’ said Food Minister T M Jacob. The Chief Minister and Food Minister were clarifying the concerns expressed by Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan and Thomas Isaac during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address. VS asked Chandy whether the scheme would be open during Onam only while Isaac wanted to know whether the government will continue with the distribution of Rs 2 per kg rice scheme for APL families. Chandy said he had already held talks with Union Food Minister about enhancing the quota of rice for APL families. ‘‘At present, the Union Government  provides 10.50 kg rice for APL families. It will be increased to 15 kg,’’ he said. Chandy also announced the decision of the government to go ahead with the proposed Bailey bridge at Sabarimala. ‘‘The 140-metre-long Bailey bridge from Sannidhanam to Chandranandan road via Malikappuram will be constructed by the Army before the beginning of this pilgrimage season,’’ he said. The motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, moved by Ramesh Chennithala, was later passed by the House. While 72 members supported the motion, 64 opposed it.