Chennai:The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday began distributing Rs 1,000 and free essential items for each 'rice only' ration card holder in the state.
In order to reduce crowds and maintain social distancing, token system was implemented at stores giving out ration items.
Chief Minister K. Palaniswami had earlier announced measures to help the poor tide over livelihood problems owing to the 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The welfare measures involving an outlay of Rs 3,280 crore include cash assistance of Rs 1,000 each for all families with ration cards which are eligible to get rice; free supply of rice, oil, sugar, lentils in April for all ration card holders. Those who do not want the free supply can opt out by logging on to the website; and ration cardholders who missed buying in March and buy their quota in April.