PM Grain Scheme to benefit approximately 6 crore in Bengal

Kolkata, West Bengal

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana – which is one of the major initiatives announced by the Central Government last year during the first wave of Covid – was successfully implemented in West Bengal in its third phase, from May to June 2021.

It is estimated that over 6 crores beneficiaries in the state, covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), will be provided 5kg of rice or wheat for free in addition to their regular quota of foodgrain every month, said Food Corporation of India (FCI) executive director (East zone) Ajit Kumar Sinha.

The total amount of foodgrains to be distributed is approximately 45 lakh MT, worth around Rs.14.4 crore. The total cost of distribution, including subsidy, logistics, and dealer margin, will be borne by the Centre. The state government of West Bengal has been requested to take steps to encourage NFSA migrant beneficiaries to use the facility of portability under the ‘One Nation, One Ration-Card Plan’, Sinha added.

The FCI, which is responsible for induction, storage, and distribution, stated that it had already made an extensive logistical plan to ensure that grain stocks reached all parts of the state FCI general manager (Bengal)  S K Swain said that it was an enormous challenge because the allocation was almost two and a half times more than normal and existing transport facilities operated on requirements of regular allocation. 

However, FCI’s Bengal region is reportedly ready for the challenge and it’s ability to deliver has been demonstrated during the lockdown period, when new records were set in terms of logistical operations, he added.

For more daily updates click here.

News Source: Times of India

Updated by Indranuj Ray