CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced that family cardholders could convert their sugar option cards to rice cards from December 5 to December 20.
In an official release, food minister R Kamaraj said there were 5.8 lakh family cards opting sugar. The government received representations from majority of them demanding conversion of cards to rice cards. “Accepting the demand, the chief minister has issued orders,” the minister said.
Those who wish to convert their cards can apply through the civil supplies and consumer protection department’s portal www.tnpds.gov.in, civil supplies officials concerned and the assistant commissioners of the department. The minister said applications received would be immediately scrutinised and action would be taken to convert to sugar option cards.
At least 10.19 lakh sugar option cards had been in circulation until October last year, and the government announced conversion of sugar option cards to rice option cards following huge representations. In a ten-day drive in November, over 4.51 lakh applications were received and converted to rice cards, according to a government policy note tabled in assembly.
The state government follows universal public distribution system and supplies free rice to all cardholders without any discrimination. The sugar cardholders are entitled to get 500 gram per head per month plus an additional quantity of 3kg of sugar subject to a maximum of 5kg per month.