Congress’ ambitious Food Security Scheme was launched on Tuesday from Panipat by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s 69th birth anniversary.
It was simultaneously launched throughout the State by the respective Ministers, State Ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries. Hooda said that everyone is now assured of their right to food in the state with implementation of the scheme and the aim of the State Government is to provide adequate quantity of quality food to the people at affordable prices so that they can live with dignity.
Describing it as a historical measure, the Chief Minister said that it is to realise the dreams of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and our freedom fighters. Scheme would benefit more than 1.26 crore people in the State. With its implementation, the number of rural beneficiaries had increased from 38 lakh to 90.28 lakh and urban beneficiaries from 15.81 lakh to 36.21 lakh, added Hooda.
“Half of the population of Haryana would directly benefit from the scheme which would fetch them rice, wheat and coarse grains at subsidized rates of Rs 3, Rs 2, and Rs 1, respectively”, said Hooda. Around 12.84 lakh BPl families would get two kg sugar per month at the subsidized rate of Rs 13.5 per kg per family. All eligible beneficiaries would benefit from the scheme from August 20, 2013.
Hooda said that the State Government had also started ‘Dal Roti Scheme’ under which 2.5 kilogram lentils per month would be given at the subsidized rate of Rs 20 per kg per family. The scheme would provide benefit to 12.84 lakh BPl families. It would be implemented next month due to the court stay on the tender. Strict instructions had been issued to the Food Corporation of India to ensure the supply of quality food grains under the scheme. The distribution of food grains would be conducted through ration depots for which proper supply had been ensured.
Stern action would be taken against officials who would show negligence while discharging their duties towards successful implementation of the scheme. The Chief Minister said that those who opposed the National Food Security Ordinance were not interested in the welfare of the poor. They had done nothing for the poor while being in power. They criticise but do not come forward to discuss the scheme.
In case of any problem that might hamper the implementation of the National Food Security Ordinance and Dal-Roti Scheme, a complaint could be made to the concerned Deputy Commissioner and District Grievances Redressal Officer. A helpline number 18001802087 is also available. Food Commission would also be set up to avoid complaints and ensure that the benefit percolates down to all those eligible.