Bihar implements Food Security Act

The Bihar government started implementing the National Food Security Act, 2013 from Saturday with CM Nitish Kumar flagging off food-grains truck for districts of Patna, Gopalganj, Nalanda and Purnia.

The Act, Nitish said, is being implemented simultaneously in the state and will aim at benefitting one crore BPL families although the Centre recognises only 65 lakh BPL families under this category. Over 85 per cent rural and over 74 per cent urban population will benefit from the state’s food security scheme.

Nitish said: “While Antyodaya scheme covering 25 lakh Bihar families would continue to ensure 35 kg foodgrains to each family per month, the new Act will ensure five kg grains per person as a person is the unit in new scheme.”