APL card holders to get rice subsidy through banks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: APL cardholders will get rice subsidy through banks, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. This scheme will come into effect from January 1 onwards.

If the details are given before March 31, 2013, they are entitled for the subsidy from January 1. If details are given after March, cardholders will get subsidy only from that date onwards, said Chandy at a press meet. The account balance of consumers should be zero.

These steps are taken to make transparent public distribution system. The government will make sure that subsidy rice will reach the deserved. Chandy said rice for Rs 2 is an additional liability for the state.