Tamil Nadu: Biometric Verification At Ration Shops To Resume From July 1

The state government has announced that it would resume approval of new card applications and print new cards from July 1.

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Chennai: Biometric verification was suspended for short period earlier to avoid crowding of the card holders who gathered outside at the ration shops to collect Rs 2,000 cash assistance and 14-item assortment of groceries at ration shops provided under Covid relief.

In an announcement, the state government said that approval of eligible new card applications was suspended as the issue of new cards needed allocation of more funds and civil supplies staff was unable to conduct field verification during Covid pandemic.

According to government's statement 98.59% of card holders were distributed grocery packages and 93.99% of card holders have been distributed Rs 2,000 Covid relief till date. The official announcement released by the state government said that it has been permitted to allow biometric verification and approval including the printing of new cards from July 1.

The state government has been distributing Rs 4,000 per rice card as Covid relief in two equal instalments in May and June, as it was promised by chief minister M K Stalin ahead of the April 6 Assembly election.