Chennai, May 23:
Tamil Nadu Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P Venkataramanan on Friday affirmed that the doorstep delivery scheme for elderly ration card holders will continue, while also assuring ration shop employees that their grievances would be addressed through direct engagement.
After inspecting the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation premises in Koyambedu, the minister said the government would allocate the necessary funds to sustain the scheme. He reiterated that key welfare promises made by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay would be implemented without compromise.
Venkataramanan also announced reforms in paddy procurement, stating that farmers would no longer face illegal charges at procurement centres. “The practice of collecting ₹40 per sack will not continue,” he said, adding that the government is committed to ensuring transparency in procurement operations.
His remarks come amid an ongoing review of procurement and public distribution systems across the State. Representatives of the Tamil Nadu Government Ration Shop Employees Association met the minister and raised concerns over shortages in the weight of commodities supplied, challenges in implementing the “Thaayumanavar” scheme, and work pressure during distribution.
According to the association, the minister assured them of personal intervention to resolve the issues. He is expected to visit their union office in Anakaputhur next week to hold direct consultations with employees. He has also asked staff to prepare a detailed list of grievances for discussion.
The association welcomed the proposed visit, calling it a significant step, and urged employees from other districts to participate and present their demands. Officials indicated that the government is also examining complaints related to procurement centres and distribution procedures as part of efforts to streamline the food and civil supplies department.