Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government today turned down a demand by an opposition National Conference member to provide free ration to people living below the poverty line and exempt them from electricity charges. Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohiuddin said though he is personally in favour of giving free ration to poor people, it is not possible because of financial constrains.

"We are already giving them ration at subsidised rates but free ration is not possible," he said, adding the question of providing free electricity also does not arise. Making the demand in the assembly through a private members resolution, Shariefuddin Shariq said the purchasing power of such people is so pitiable that they are unable to buy even the essential commodities.

Shariq said a survey should be conducted in the state to identify the BPL population so that they could be provided free ration and exempted from electricity tariff. Deputy Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone, who was conducting the house, asked Shariq to withdraw the resolution. However, he refused and the resolution was put to vote but the house defeated it by voice vote.