Naveen talks tough, asks District Collectors to ensure proper implementation of Rice Scheme

Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik decided to talk tough and asked all district collectors in the state to ensure proper implementation of the newly introduced Rice Scheme for the BPL (Below Poverty Line) families. The scheme will be introduced from August 1, 2008. Under the new scheme, all BPL families and the APL families in KBK will receive 25 kg of rice per month at Rs 2 per kg. The SC and ST students staying in hostels will also be covered under the scheme.

The CM's decisions to talk tough came in the wake of reports that benefits of the newly introduced scheme may not even reach the poor. The CM warned the fraud dealers and storage agents with strong action, if they are found manipulating the civil supplies systems. According to the CM, strong action will also be taken against erring government employees. Mr. Naveen Patnaik stressed on the need of a tough complaint redressal mechanism at all district, subdivision and block levels.