Tamil Nadu CM launches free mask plan for ration card holders

Marking the inauguration of a free mask distribution scheme that will benefit over 69 lakh families in the first phase, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami gave away masks to five people at the Secretariat. The masks will be distributed to beneficiaries through ration shops.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday launched a free mask distribution scheme to benefit over 69 lakh families in the first phase, as part of measures to help fight COVID-19.

Palaniswami gave away the masks to five people at the Secretariat marking the inauguration of the first phase of the scheme, which would witness distribution to beneficiaries through ration shops.

"The initial phase envisages distribution of 4.44 crore reusable masks -bought at a cost of Rs 30.07 crore- to 69.09 lakh families in town panchayats, municipalities and corporations barring the Greater Chennai Corporation," an official release said.

According to the GCC, about 45 lakh masks have already been distributed here.

The Chief Minister had recently announced a distribution of quality reusable masks to all ration cardholders in the state as part of measures to fight the pandemic.

There are 2.08 crore ration cards that cover a total of 6.74 crore individuals, who are part of the families of the cardholders and the plan are to distribute two masks for each member of a family.

PTI