Govt using tech to end graft: CM

LUCKNOW: Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said the state government was issuing new ration cards under the National Food Security Act. The state government has got 3.17 crore ration cards printed with a picture of the chief minister on the front.

Yadav said the state government was making best possible use of technology to end corruption and machines had been installed at all the fair price shops to ensure that the benefits reached genuine persons. Although the chief minister indicated that the digitisation of fair price shops may be formally launched in Lucknow on November 3, sources said the programme may be deferred now.

He said the state government had launched various schemes for the welfare of the people, adding that over 55 lakh needy families were being provided financial assistance under the Samajwadi Pension Scheme. Minister for food and civil supplies Kamal Akhtar said the National Food Security Act was being implemented with complete transparency. CM TO DECIDE GOMTI PROJECT LAUNCH DATE

Chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar on Wednesday asked officials to consult the chief minister Akhilesh Yadav in order to schedule the opening of Gomti River Front Development project for the public at the earliest. He said that work on the left bank from Gomti barrage to rubber dam site had been completed along with completion of construction of stadium on right bank under Gomti riverfront development.

A day-night cricket match and other sports should also be organized at the new stadium on the day of dedication to public, he added. The CS directed the committee formed for constitution of Riverfront Development Authority to submit its detailed report within a fortnight. Secretary, housing, special secretary, irrigation, municipal commissioner, chief engineers of irrigation and LDA had been nominated as the members of said committee. Irrigation department will ensure essential services at the riverfront, like security guards, life-guards, vehicle parking management and cleanliness, etc., till Riverfront Development Authority is duly constituted, he added.