Tamil Nadu Government launches 'Vetri Special Vegetable Pack' for ₹100 on occasion of Diwali

The Tamil Nadu government has introduced the 'Vetri Special Vegetable Pack' scheme to provide relief to the general public ahead of the Diwali festival. According to a report by Hindustan Times, under this scheme, a combo pack of 10 essential kitchen vegetables will be provided at a subsidized rate of only ₹100. The scheme was inaugurated by Cooperation Minister V. Ganthiraj at the Punga Nagar Cooperative Wholesale Store in Chennai, where he distributed the first packs to the people.

This special sale will run for three days from November 5 to November 7. These packs will be available at 218 selected cooperative retail outlets across Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the government has deployed 4 mobile vegetable vending vehicles to increase reach in various areas of the capital city, Chennai.

Each eco-friendly pack weighs between 2.55 kg and 2.60 kg. The pack includes 500 g onions, 500 g tomatoes, 250 g brinjals, 250 g potatoes, 200 g carrots, 200 g beans, 100 g green chillies, 100 g lemons, 50 g ginger, and 1 coconut. These fresh and clean vegetables have been packed to protect people from price fluctuations in the open market during the festival.

Minister V. Ganthiraj clarified that these kits are not part of the Public Distribution System (PDS) nor are they sold through rationing shops, but will be sold at specific supermarkets and outlets. Furthermore, to eliminate middlemen and ensure farmers get better returns, the government is procuring vegetables directly from the farmers.

To prevent wholesale hoarding and ensure the benefit reaches the maximum number of families, authorities have set a limit of only one vegetable pack per person. These packs will be available during the regular working hours of the cooperative stores.

The Cooperation Department has confirmed that sufficient stock has been maintained across the state. Regional and Joint Registrars of cooperative societies in all districts have been instructed to monitor the supply chain and make distribution accessible. Senior officials, including P. Amudha, Additional Chief Secretary of Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection, G. Latha, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, and K. Tharpagaraj, Additional Registrar of Consumer Affairs, were present at the launching event.