Execution of food security scheme on track
SHILLONG: The much-delayed food security scheme, a Central government initiative, is closer to starting and the list of beneficiaries, based on the socio economic caste census, is almost ready.
Principal Secretary in-charge food and civil supplies PW Ingty said on Tuesday that the list of beneficiaries have been more less finalized and the respective deputy commissioners have been entrusted with the task of identifying the beneficiaries.
He also said the new ration cards would also be issued in the due course of time before releasing the food grains.
The scheme ensures allotment of rice and wheat at the rate of Rs. 3 and Rs. 2 respectively to the beneficiaries who are identified. .
In rural areas,77.79 identified beneficiaries will avail the scheme, whereas in urban areas 50.87 per cent of the population will benefit from the scheme.
As per the 2011 census, out of the total population of over 29 lakh, there will be 18,44,473 beneficiaries in rural areas and 3,02,906 beneficiaries in urban areas as per the scheme
While East Khasi Hills has the maximum number of beneficiaries (1,86,439), North Garo Hills has the minimum number ( 6694).
Earlier, the food and civil supplies department had written to the deputy commissioners based on the draft socio economic caste census to verify the list of beneficiaries so that new ration cards can be issued.
While the Centre will bear the major chunk of the cost of the scheme, the State Government wanted the Centre to incur the transportation cost to carry the food grains from the FCI go downs to the fair price shops.