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Free food grain distribution for 60 lakh non NFSA APL-1 card holders to begin from 13th April: CM

Chief Minister of the state Mr. Vijay Rupani had announced free food grain distribution during April for 60 lakh non NFSA APL-1 card holders in the Cabinet Meeting on 8^th April, 2020.

The dates for the same have been decided by the CM. Accordingly, the state government will commence the distribution of free food grains from 13^th April,2020 through 17,000 fair price shops approved by the government.

Providing details about the decision of the CM, Secretary to CM Mr. Ashwani Kumar said, “ The Chief Minister has clearly suggested to ensure social distancing during food grain distribution amidst the lockdown. A committee at the rural and urban level will be formed to ensure the same. Teacher, talati or gramsevaks, police personnel and a local leader will be a part of this committee. The members will look after the smooth functioning of the distribution in their respective areas, ensure that social distancing is maintained in addition to ensuring that no beneficiary faces any kind of discomfort during the same.”

The distribution will start from 13^th April, 2020 to 17^th April,2020. The administration has decided to divide the people based on the last digit of their ration card.

All the card holders with the last digit as 1 and 2 will avail the grains on 13^th April, 2020. Card holders with the last digit as 3 and 4 on 14^th April,2020; card holders with last digit as 5 and 6 on 15^th April,2020; card holders with last digit as 7 and 8 on 16^th April,2020 and card holders with last digit as 9 and 0 on 17^th April,2020.

The sorting has been done in order to ensure a smooth flow and avoid overcrowding. The government has also decided to continue the distribution on 18^th April , 2020 for all those beneficiaries who are unable to avail the grains as the per aforesaid slots due to unavoidable circumstances.

The Secretary also said that the CM had directed small and large factory owners to provide timely wages to the labourers and not fire them during lockdown. Adding to this, he said, “ Around 20214 small  and large units have paid ₹ 1264 crores as wages to around 7 lakh 38 thousand labourers.

34 Dhanvantari Raths are operational in Gujarat to provide medical services to the labourers in case of illness. Around 46 thousand labourers have undergone health check ups through this.

Providing details of the essential items available in the state, Mr.Ashwani Kumar said, “ 46.76 lakh litres of milk has been distributed in the state. 90164 quintals of vegetables are available in Gujarat which includes 24,792 quintals of potatoes, 16,979 quintals of onions, 7657 quintals of tomatoes and 40,734 quintals of green leafy vegetables. 12,410 quintals of fruits are available which includes 379 quintals of apples, 1246 quintals of bananas and 10,785 quintals of other fruits.

Around 80 lakh 69 thousand 263 food packets have been distributed to the aged, and helpless living alone and the needy ones in small and big cities.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat