Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Apr 1: Chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa instructed the concerned authorities to distribute free milk to poor people of the society from Thursday, April 2 till April 14.

Speaking in the press conference Yediyurappa said, "Poor people and agriculturists are facing lot of hardship due to the lock down. Action is being taken to reduce their difficulties. From Thursday till April 14, milk should be given free to poor people in all the districts of the state.

"We have instructed the police also not to stop vehicles transporting goods. We will take action against such officers if they stop goods vehicles. People have the opportunity to buy essentials. We will give compensation to the families of poor farmers who have committed suicide.

"Instructions are given to keep the HOPCOMs open throughout the day. In addition to vegetable and fruits, provision is made to sell eggs also in HOPCOMs. Provision is also made to transport fruits and vegetables to outstation states through trains. People can buy fruits and vegetables every day. But there is no need to stock the goods.

"We will take action against those who sell fruits and vegetable at hiked prices. Instructions are given to open Silk market, rice and lentil mills. Action is taken to distribute ration from Wednesday. In addition, steps are taken to avoid hassles of pension for widows and elderly people."

CM Yediyurappa held a meeting with ministers and officials with regards to the difficulties faced by the agriculturists during the lock down. Agriculture minister B C Patil, cooperative department minister S T Somshekhar, horticulture department minister Narayana Gowda, chief secretary of government Vijay Bhaskar, revenue minister R Ashok and food minister Gopalaiah were present.