Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday announced that 89,540 tonnes of foodgrains and 100 tonnes of pulses will be supplied for free to flood-hit Kerala for distribution among those who are not covered under the Food Security Act. The Centre allocates 1.18 lakh tonnes of foodgrains monthly to the State.
About 52 per cent of the State population is already covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) under which highly subsidised grains are distribution via the Public Distribution System (PDS).
“We have taken a decision to provide 89,540 tonnes of foodgrains to the State for distribution to those who are not covered under NFSA. The allocation will help the State to cover most of its population,” Paswan said this apart, 100 tonnes of pulses (dals) have been allocated to the State. The Ministry has also decided to provide to the State 80 tonnes of pulses on a daily basis to ensure adequate supply and check price rise, he said.
The foodgrains and pulses are being provided free of cost. An order in this regard has been approved. The State had demanded foodgrains of 1.18 lakh tonnes from the Centre, he added.
Paswan said this is an initial allocation. “My department is ready to help the State if more is required,” he added.