Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday said his government would provide additional ration benefits to the Antyodaya (AAY) beneficiaries in the state amid the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The announcement came during the budget session of the Assembly in response to proposals moved by deputy leader of the Opposition in Assembly Badal Choudhury on the last day of ongoing budget session to provide one month’s free ration to the poor and working-class people and an allowance of Rs 5,000 for their families to sustain themselves.

Replying to his proposal, Deb briefed them about the preparedness of his government to check the disease and said, “A total of 5.86 lakh AAY people are present in our state. We have decided to provide them additional rations. The assessment is already completed and by this evening we shall announce the decision by issuing an order.”