A long discussion for 3 hours went on at Secretariat today to solve the practical problems faced in the implementation of the Amma Hastam Scheme. Civil Supplies Minister Sridhara Babu held the meeting with the subcommittee.

After the meeting, the minister said that all care will be taken to ensure a no problem implementation of the scheme that is made to benefit the poor. He also said that a food advisory committee will be created. Sridhara Babu says that transparency and accountability are the main factors to be ensured in the implementation of the scheme.

Sridhara Babu said that the convenience of the dealers is also taken in to consideration in making the DD payments. They are allowed to pay in three installments to take the goods instead of paying at a time. The needy dealers also will be helped in getting Bank loans to help financially to run the service oriented business.

The minister also said that the Chief Minister wants to add tooth pastes and soaps also to the existing daily needs of 9 items to supply at a lower rate than in the market and a study is going in that direction.

(AW-SriJa)