Bihar: LJP says 14.5 lakh families deprived of PDS as state govt failed to update Centre’s list

On Saturday, LJP president Chirag Paswan said: “It is sad that the Bihar government has not been able to send the list of new PDS beneficiaries. About 14.5 lakh families have been affected because of the state government not being able to send the list. While these people are deprived of the additional ration scheme, they are also not being able to get sundry relief announced by Central and state governments.”

He said some families had been facing a “hunger-like” situation because of the lockdown. “I hope the state government reacts fast,” he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, however, told The Indian Express: “Applications of several lakh people had been rejected earlier. As per the limit fixed by the Central government, only 14.5 lakh families can be added. We have got workers of self help groups (SHGs) to conduct a survey on deserving additional beneficiaries. Once the survey is complete, another 14.5 lakh new card-holders would be added. We are also trying to link all ration card-holders to link their card to Aadhaar so that they can also avail sundry COVID-19 relief.”

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party chief Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday observed a fast to draw government’s attention towards the deprivation some poor families were facing because of the lockdown.