Sheila distributes subsidised food grains in her constituency

‘Govt. is committed to cover 73 lakh people under the food security programme by January ’

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit distributing subsidised rice and wheat under the new Food Security Programme in New Delhi on Sunday. Photo: S. Subramanium

Ten days after the launch of the ambitious food security programme in the Capital, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Sunday kick-started it by distributing highly subsidised food grains in her constituency. At the launch of the scheme, she had announced that food grains under the programme will be distributed from September 1 onwards.

In the presence of several MLAs, Ms. Dikshit distributed food grains to the oldest female head of households in Lakshmibai Nagar, South Kidwai Nagar, Krishna Memon Marg and Copernicus Marg in Central Delhi. All the areas fall under the New Delhi constituency that she represents.

The Delhi Government has initially identified 32 lakh people who hold Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Below Poverty Line (BPL), Jhuggi Ration Card (JRC) and Resettlement Colony Ration Cards (RCRC). The process of covering the remaining 41 lakh people is ongoing and they will be issued new food security cards.

Ms. Dikshit said that her government is committed to cover all 73 lakh people under the Food security program by January next year as the parameters for identification of the beneficiaries have been meticulously finalised. She described the program as the largest one in the world.

“The programme would go a long way in overcoming hunger and alleviation of poverty across the country apart from enhancing the status of women. Sixty seven per cent population of the country is to be covered to provide them the legal right to food,” she said.

Under the scheme, households will get wheat at Rs.2 per kg, rice at Rs.3 per kg and coarse grain at Rs.1 per kg. There will be no change in rates with respect to AAY categories households. These households will get 35 kg of food grains per month whereas the remaining eligible household or priority households will receive 5 kg food grains per person per month.

With elections in two months, Ms. Dikshit has already asked all Congress MLAs and councillors to help eligible people get benefits under the scheme as well as publicise it effectively. She expressed confidence that the government would make the programme successful.