The Uttar Pradesh government will start free ration distribution to 14.71 crore beneficiaries of economically backward sections from Sunday. In one of the biggest foodgrain distribution endeavours, the Yogi government will provide 5 kg food grains for June, July and August free of cost. This will be in addition to the ration being distributed under PMGKY.
As per the Central government instructions, distribution from PMGKY will also continue till Diwali which will enable beneficiaries to get 10 kg of free food grains in a month. The CM’s initiative aimed at reducing the woes of the economically marginalized citizens, who were unable to arrange for ration and food due to the ongoing pandemic.
In a massive exercise, the government will distribute 3 kg of wheat and 2 kg of rice to ration cardholders of Antyodaya and eligible households at 80,000 fair price shops across the state. Starting from June 20, foodgrain distribution will begin and continue till June 30. Distributions dates for the next two months will be declared by the government in the coming days.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to make all arrangements regarding the distribution of free ration across the state and the process would be supervised by nodal officers while adhering to Covid safety protocols.
Notably, there are around 1.30 crore units of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojna and 13,41,77, 983 units under Eligible Household card holders. As per the department of Food and Supply, ration distribution will be done through e-POS machines after Aadhaar card authentication. Those who will not be able to get free ration through Aadhar identification will be given through mobile OTP verification. To maintain social distancing, only five beneficiaries will be allowed at each shop at one time and online tokens will be arranged for the convenience and safety of beneficiaries, who will be asked to sanitise their hands before using the e-PoS machine.