The ruling Congress in its poll manifesto had promised ‘food for all'
Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government is going to launch a Universal Public Distribution System in the state from October 2 to fulfill the party’s election promise of ‘food for all.’
Under the scheme ration card will be issued to each and every family including those Above Poverty Line (APL).
A decision in this regard was taken at a review meeting of the food and civil supplies department held here at Mahanadi Bhawan on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel chaired the meeting presided over by the minister of the department, Mohammad Akbar.
The meeting also contemplated distributing jaggery through the PDS so that the cooperative sugar mills running in the state are strengthen.
Regarding distribution of rice it was decided that for a family of one member, 10 kgs of rice will be provided while for two members, 20 kgs and for three to five members 35 kgs of rice will be distributed. In case the members exceed five then 7 kgs per unit will be distributed to them.
In another important decision taken in the meeting, it was decided to renew all the old ration cards. A time bound work plan has been charted out for the preparation of new ration cards and concerned officials are instructed to complete the process till September 30.
It was also contemplated that as the rice production is surplus in the state the excess paddy can be used for production of ethanol which could be used as a fuel.