Poor denizens can again avail meals for Rs5 in the State. The credit goes to Mukhyamantri Dal Bhat Yojna re-launched on Thursday at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). Urban Development Minister CP Singh launched the scheme again at the RIMS centre by sharing the meals with the common man. Dal Bhat centres were closed since April last year after the Central Government denied providing rice at subsidised rate.
Each centre managed by a team of 10 women members, serves a menu comprising rice, soya-bean potato vegetable or chana with dal, green chilly and salt. Minister Singh said the plan unveiled by former Chief Minister Arjun Munda on August 15, 2011 had been restarted for the benefit of poor people. “We hope the scheme will no more face lacunas like shortage of rice or any other grocery items,” mentioned Singh.
Around one week back, Mukta Mahila Samiti members, who used to coordinate the Kendras at Sadar Hospital and RIMS urged Singh to re-start the centres. Taking prompt action on the matter, Singh began it from RIMS as patients from all classes across the State came here for treatment. “Wards of the patients often have to cook in the corridor. It is troublesome. So, we thought of re-launching Dal Bhat Yojna from RIMS,” Singh said.
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey accompanied him on the occasion. According to Food and Public Distribution Department Special Secretary Ravi Ranjan over 400 closed Dal Bhat Centres in the 24 districts would also be opened soon. “We have sent directions to all the concerned district officials on re-opening the Dal Bhat Centres,” Ranjan added.
Sources maintained for one week, 80 kg rice is provided to each centre at the rate of Rs1 per kg. likewise, Soyabean is provided at Rs49 per kg and while chana is given at Rs38 per kg. “We purchase potato, spices, chilly, salt and cooking coal on the basis of amount collected from customers. Also, the salary of our cooks and staffs is managed from the same amount,” said Arvind Tiwari, manager of the RIMS Dal Bhat Kendra.
Customers have to write their names on paper, sign and then take a token for having a one time meal at this centre. Tiwari said the Dal Bhat Kendra would be opened from 10 am to 4 pm. Staffs begin the meal preparation from 7 am. However, provision of clean drinking water seems doubtful in these centres. Customers were seen drinking the tap water collected in a plastic drum.