Nov 01, 2011
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy on Tuesday launched Re.1 a kg rice scheme, which will benefit 75 million people out of the state's 84 million population.
According to the state's civil supplies department, 22.6 million below poverty line (BPL) families would get rice at a token one rupee a kg instead of the present Rs.2.
In a state where the total number of poor is estimated to be more than the state's population due to a very large number of bogus ration cards, the scheme is seen as another populist measure by the chief minister.
The chief minister launched the scheme in Khairatabad locality of the state capital on the 56th formation day of the state, saying it was aimed at providing food security to the poor.
Andhra Pradesh has joined Tamil Nadu and Kerala in implementing this scheme for the poor.