New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Government will start free ration distribution to 14.71 crore beneficiaries of economically backward sections from Sunday.
In one of the biggest food grain distribution endeavours, the Yogi government in the State will provide free 5 kg food grains for June, July and August. This is over and above the ration being distributed under PMGKAY.
It is notable that as per the instructions of the Central Govt, the distribution from PMGKAY will also continue till Diwali. This way the beneficiaries will get around 10 kg of free food grains in a month. The initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath aims at reducing the woes of the economically marginalized citizens, who are not able to arrange for ration and food due to COVID-19.
Apart from PMGKAY, 5 kg food grains for June, July and August
In a massive exercise, the government will distribute 3 kg of Wheat and 2 kg of Rice grain to ration cardholders of Antyodaya and Eligible Households at 80,000 fair price shops in the State. Starting from June 20, the distribution for this particular month will continue till June 30. The dates for the next two months will be declared by the government in the coming days.
The Chief Minister has issued instructions to the officers for making all arrangements regarding the distribution of free ration in the state.
The ration distribution will be done under the supervision of nodal officers amid adherence to Covid safety protocols.
‘Antyodaya’ and Eligible Household ration card holders can avail benefit
Notably, there are around 1,30,07,969 units of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Ann Yojna and 13,41,77, 983 units under Eligible Household card holders.
According to the Department of Food and Supply, ration distribution will be done through e-POS machines after the Aadhaar card authentication. Those who will not be able to get the free ration through Aadhar identification will be given through mobile OTP verification.
To maintain social distancing, only five beneficiaries at a time will be allowed at each shop. Online tokens will be arranged by the government for the convenience and safety of the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries will be asked to sanitise their hands first before using the e-PoS machine.
With a strong will to conquer the war against Covid-19 along with saving the livelihoods of people, CM Yogi Adityanath is making all efforts to provide relief to the weaker section amid the pandemic.
