DMK flays govt.’s decision to remit money in lieu of distributing rice to ration cardholders in U.T. - The HinduPublished - November 08, 2026 03:04 am IST - PUDUCHERRYConvenor of DMK’s Puducherry unit R. Siva has flayed the AINRC-BJP government for adopting the cash transfer mode instead of distributing free rice under the scheme in the Union Territory.In a statement, the DMK leader said the government had not distributed free rice through ration shops for the last nine months. Now, the government has remitted money into the accounts of ration cardholders in lieu of free rice meant for six months. The amount remitted by the government was based on a calculation of ₹43 per kg for the rice, he said.However, the cash remitted was not sufficient for buying rice due to cost escalation. The price of rice has gone up substantially in the open market and the money given by the government would be inadequate for the residents to buy the required quantity, he said.“The government’s decision to adopt Direct Benefit Transfer mode was a betrayal of the mandate given by the people. The Chief Minister had promised the voters to provide rice through ration shops. If the implementation of the scheme to distribute rice through ration shops would take more time, the government should remit more money considering the market rate of rice,” Mr. Siva said.Published - November 08, 2026 03:04 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }