Chennai, 15 June (H.S.):
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to formally launch the distribution of new ration cards across the State on June 22, coinciding with his birthday, with around 46,000 cards ready for issuance in the first phase of the programme.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ensuring that more eligible families receive subsidised food grains and welfare benefits provided by the State government.
According to officials in the Food and Civil Supplies Department, nearly 2.25 lakh applications for new ration cards have been received since January this year. The department has been scrutinising and verifying applications, and eligible beneficiaries have been shortlisted for the initial phase of distribution.
Officials said the first batch of 46,000 ration cards has already been printed and dispatched for distribution across various districts. The rollout will take place in phases, with additional beneficiaries expected to receive cards in the coming months as the verification process for the remaining applications is completed.
Government sources indicated that Vijay is likely to inaugurate the scheme at a function in Perambur, his Assembly constituency, where he is expected to hand over ration cards to a select group of beneficiaries.
The programme assumes political significance as it marks Vijay’s first birthday after assuming office as Chief Minister. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is planning a series of welfare initiatives and public outreach programmes across Tamil Nadu to commemorate the occasion.
Party functionaries in Perambur are reportedly organising several welfare activities in the run-up to June 22, while similar events are expected to be held by TVK units in districts across the State.
Despite the timing of the launch, government officials emphasised that the ration card distribution drive is part of a routine administrative exercise intended to clear pending applications and extend welfare coverage to eligible households. With more than two lakh applications still under consideration, the State government is expected to continue issuing new ration cards in successive phases over the coming months.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
