Chennai, Apr 16 (IANS): The Tamil Nadu government will continue supply of 5,450 tonnes of free rice to 2,895 mosques in the state during the Ramzan fasting period, said a top government official.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam said the state has been providing 5,450 tonnes of rice free of cost to 2,895 mosques in the state for Ramzan so that gruel could be prepared and given to those who fast.

He said the government held meetings with the Muslim community leaders and said rice will be supplied in bulk to the mosques.

As there is lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, Shanmugam said the government suggested to the Muslim community leaders that the mosques could repack the rice into smaller packs and deliver at homes.

Shanmugam said the community leaders have agreed to the proposal.

He said by March 19 the rice will be supplied to the mosques and they in turn will repack and deliver to the homes before March 22.