VIJAYAWADA: Civil supplies minister P Sunita on Thursday undertook a whirlwind tour of Guntur district to distribute ‘Chandranna Ramzan Tohfa’ to Muslim families. The gift hamper is being distributed to about 11 lakh Muslim families in the state.
Addressing e people at various places, the minister said the government wanted poor Muslims to celebrate the festival with dignity.
The gift hamper contains 5 kg wheat, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg vermicelli and 100 g ghee. The government is spending Rs 700 crore for the purpose.
With members of the Dudekula community also requesting the government to implement the scheme for them, the officials were asked to conduct a survey in Guntur district and distribute gift hampers to the eligible. She said the distribution of gift hampers was being done through fair price shops and if any irregularities were found, stern action would be initiated against those responsible.
She said in view of the exorbitant price of red gram in the open market, measures were being taken to supply the same at subsidised rates for white ration card holders in the state. A kilogram of red gram will be provided for Rs 50 at the fair price shops. There were a total 29 lakh white ration card holders. She said those not having ration cards could apply for the same and after a thorough inquiry, new cards would be issued.