Virbhadra to launch food security scheme on Sept 20

Himachal Pradesh is set to roll out the ambitious food security scheme — named Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna — to provide cheap ration to 32 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antodaya families on September 20.

The scheme will be launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh at Shimla’s Ridge. Speaking to mediaperons,Food and Supplies Minister G S Bali said: “There are 16.99 lakh ration card holders in the state,of which,3.64 lakhs are BPL families and another 1.96 lakhs antodya families. The remaining 36 lakh left out families and Above Poverty Line beneficiaries,will continue to the covered under the state’s own food subsidy scheme.”

Under the scheme,the government proposes to provide 5 kg of rice,wheat and coarse cereals per month per individual at a fixed price of Rs 3,2,1,respectively. There is a cap of 75 per cent population in rural and 50 per cent in urban towns. “Since the state does not have sufficient storage facilities,the government was making efforts to create additional storage for the ration,” said Bali.