Food and Civil Supplies, Transport and Technical Education Minister G.S. Bali revealed that Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh will launch the ambitious Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna in the State on 20th September, 2013 at 11.30 AM from historic Ridge Maidan of Shimla.
G.S. Bali said that this scheme would be started under the Right to Food Act benefiting more than 32 lakh families of the State. He said that the beneficiaries who were covered under the guidelines of this Act including BPL, Antodaya, Single women, critically ill and social security pensioners would be covered under the scheme. All 16,99,225 ration card holders of the State were already being provided three pulses, two edible oil and iodized salt under subsidized ration scheme. He said that Right to Food Act would empower the beneficiaries to avail food items and to enquire with the concerned officers about the delays in getting these items.
G.S. Bali said that under the Act, each eligible person would get 5 kilograms of food grains per month. They would be provided three kgs of rice at the rate of Rs. 3 per kg and wheat at the rate of Rs. 2 per kg. He said that with the consistent efforts of the State Government the APL families would also get essential food commodities like before.
He said that State would enhance its food storage capacity and public distribution system would be further strengthened. He directed the officers to prepare detailed weekly list of the food grains reaching at whole sale depots and their further distribution to the retailers. He said that complaints had been received that some private depot holders were not depositing the requisite amount in lieu of taking food grains which affects the consumers. He directed the officers to initiate disciplinary action after inquiry against the private depot holders who were knowingly delaying the payments.
