Lockdown: Mizoram govt begins distribution of free ration to

AAY, PHH beneficiaries

Aizawl, Apr 28 () The Mizoram government hasbegun distribution of free ration to over 1.5 lakh eligiblecard holders of two schemes under the 'Pradhan Mantri GaribKalyan Anna Yojana' (PMGKAY) during the lockdown period.

The state government has lifted rice from FCI godownsfor April and May and distribution is underway across thestate, a senior official said on Tuesday.

About 10,023.22 metric tonnes of rice were allocatedto the state for free distribution to Antyodaya Anna Yojana(AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) beneficiaries to ensureavailability of food during the lockdown period.

In March, the Centre had announced a relief package ofRs 1,70,000 crore under the PMGKAY according to whichbeneficiaries would be given 5 kg of rice and 1 kilo of dal(pulse) per person, to meet food shortage during thenationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novelcoronavirus.

According to state food, civil supplies and consumeraffairs director Lalhriatzuali Ralte, there are 1,29,410 PHHand 25,995 AAY card holders in the state who are eligible forthe benefit.

Lifting of rice for June is under progress, she said.

The Centre has also allocated 60 metric tonnes ofpulses for Mizoram to be distributed among the poor during theongoing lockdown, the official said.

The state government had also distributed free rice tothe people in March.

More than 4,300 migrant workers were given free rationand about 75,600 people, who did not have ration cards, werealso given rice free of cost in March, she said.

The state, as of now, has enough stock of rice to meeturgent requirement, the official said.

She claimed that the supply department is working 24x7to deal with any possible shortage during the lockdown.

Under the AAY scheme the poorest among the BPLfamilies are selected and issued AAY ration cards. Householdshaving this card are issued 35 kg rice at the rate of Rs 3 perkg.

Priority Households having PHH ration cards are issued8 kg of rice monthly per beneficiary at the rate of 5 kg atthe rate of Rs 3, and 3 kg at the rate of Rs 15 per kg. CORMM MM