According to Velu, there are two crore ration card holders in Tamil Nadu, and 1.75 crore of them buy from ration shops.

Queried about complaints of diversion of toor to the open market by owners of ration shops, Velu said: 'Next month a helpline will be introduced for the public to lodge complaints. We have conducted surprise audits of 400 ration shops.'

Meanwhile, the fourth edition of Aahar organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) went underway with 80 exhibitors showcasing their products that ranged from pickles, packaged tender coconut water to hotel kitchen and laundry machines.