Tamil Nadu has instructed contractors to supply only tur (pigeon pea) dal to ration shops, following a report published by Dinamalar.
Under the public distribution system, cardholders receive free rice, wheat and sugar, along with tur dal and one litre of palm oil. Tur dal is sold at ration shops for Rs 30 per kg, while market prices are around Rs 140–160, leading many consumers to buy from ration outlets even when quality is lower.
In recent months, consumers were reportedly given other varieties such as “gundu” dal and yellow masoor, which do not match the usual cooking qualities of tur dal. This raised suspicion that firms that won the tur dal tender may have been supplying lower-grade alternatives.
During an official inquiry, it was found that older stock stored in Civil Supplies Corporation godowns had been distributed. Authorities have now reiterated that only tur dal should be issued going forward.
Contractors selected in the latest tender have been directed to complete tur dal supplies by the 28th. Ration shop staff said this could improve the quality of dal available from next month.
