Distribution of woolen blankets, each worth little over Rs 265, among the poor and the destitute under the aegis of State government’s social security is in full swing in Palamu to beat the many curbs and restrictions that come into effect following the declaration of model code of conduct.
Deputy Commissioner of Palamu, Shantanu K Agrahari said as of now 66,150 blankets are under process of distribution and in four or five days the entire distribution work will be over.He said if there is fund left, then the administration will purchase a few thousand more blankets. Assistant director social security Satrunjay Kumar said each such blanket weighs 2 Kg while it is 60 inches wide and 90 inches long. He said district administration has purchased the consignment after due procedures of sale and purchase.
He said officials of 21 blocks, Municipal Corporation, Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayats have been directed to ensure distribution of blankets in time. DC said that officials have also been asked to distribute blankets to missionaries of charity institution and one orphanage located in the town. He said this time Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Corporation Commissioner may do the distribution. Sources said never in the past blankets have ever been distributed so early in the year.
Aadhar card has been made a must for getting the benefits, said SDO Chhaterpur N K Gupta, adding that the purpose behind this is to foil any doubling of freebies to one individual.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribe Groups (PVTG) are Gupta’s priority in blanket distribution, he said. He said people living in and around Dagra security camp, who a few years back were yoked under the diktat of the Maoists came forward to collect the blankets.