The ambitious Food Security Scheme that is slated to make Delhi “hunger-free” is to be launched on Tuesday — the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The scheme will be rolled out by Congress president Sonia Gandhi at the Talkatora stadium.
The beneficiaries can avail benefits under the scheme from September 1, 2013. With the implementation of this scheme, Delhi would become the first State in the country to implement this programme that will benefit 44 per cent of the city’s population and bring 32 lakh people from the most vulnerable households under its purview in the first phase. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution KV Thomas, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Haroon Yusuf will also be present on the occasion.
While households with an annual income of less than Rs1 lakh per annum will be eligible, no income tax payers, vehicle and house owners, Government employees or any household with an electricity connection of above 2 KW are eligible under the scheme. Under the scheme, households will get wheat at Rs 2 per kg, rice at Rs 3 kg and coarse grain at Rs 1 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 households or those under priority household category will receive five kg food grains per person per month.
Dikshit had earlier this month dubbed the scheme as a ‘game changer’ by Congress for the lok Sabha polls, next year. The Government plans to provide the benefit under the scheme to 5.10 lakh families in the first phase and the entitled food grains will be given to the beneficiary families through their senior-most female members. The Delhi Government will also receive applications from eligible households in more than 200 places, including Food and Supplies Department and Gender Resource Centres. The Public Grievance Commission will function as the ‘Food Security Commission’ for the time-being and soon a separate committee will be formed. A call centre with a four digit number — 1967 and a toll-free number — 1800 110 841 will be set up to answer queries and register complaints.