Chennai: In a novel scheme, ration goods from Fair Price Shops will be delivered at the doorsteps of family card holders aged 70 years and above and the physically disabled in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday rolled out the ‘Thayumanavar Thittam’, a scheme under which ration goods will be delivered from 34,809 fair price shops across Tamil Nadu to the doorsteps of an estimated 20.42 lakh family card holders aged above 70 and 1.27 lakh differently abled persons. Stalin himself delivered the goods to a beneficiary in Chennai. This special delivery will be undertaken on the second Saturday and Sunday every month.

This would entail an additional expense of Rs 30.16 crore annually for the Cooperation Department. “But we do not consider the additional expenditure. We consider this as our duty to serve and protect the lives of the people,” Stalin said recalling there were no starvation deaths in Tamil Nadu since ration shops are run efficiently. To officials and employees of the Cooperation Department, who have to ensure the success of the scheme, the Chief Minister said, “You should be considerate and kind to the elderly citizens and disabled persons who would be eagerly expecting your arrival.”