The Government of Rajasthan has launched an ambitious scheme to provide free food packets to poor families. Under this scheme, the government aims to distribute free food items to around 1.06 crore families who come under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The scheme named ‘Annapurna Food Packet Scheme’ has been approved by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, and is expected to incur a monthly expenditure of Rs. 392 crore. The scheme will cover the cost of essential food items like pulses, sugar, salt, edible oil, chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, which will be given in each packet.
Implementation of the Annapurna Food Packet Scheme
The scheme will be implemented through the Cooperative Department of Rajasthan, which will purchase the materials and prepare the packets. The Fair Price Shops (FPS) will distribute the packets to the eligible beneficiaries, and the Cooperative Department will monitor the distribution process. According to the government statement, the registration of eligible persons under this scheme will start from the 24th of April at the dearness relief camps.
Free food items in the Annapurna Food Packet Scheme
Each food packet will contain essential food items like one kg of gram dal, sugar, salt, one liter of edible oil, 100-100 grams of chili powder, coriander powder, and 50 grams of turmeric powder. The cost of each packet will be Rs. 370, and the government will bear the cost of each packet. This scheme will help to provide relief to the poor families who are facing difficulties due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial provision for the Rajasthan Institute of Advanced Learning (RIAL)
In another important decision, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a financial provision of Rs. 421 crore for the Rajasthan Institute of Advanced Learning (RIAL) in Jaipur. The funds will be used for various works, including the construction of buildings with Rs. 180 crore and the establishment of various innovation and research centers/schools with Rs. 145 crore. This decision will help to improve the education system in Rajasthan and provide better opportunities for students to excel in their chosen fields.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Food Packet Scheme is a significant step towards providing relief to poor families in Rajasthan. The scheme aims to provide essential food items to around 1.06 crore families who come under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The scheme will cover the cost of essential food items like pulses, sugar, salt, edible oil, chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder, which will be given in each packet. The government has approved a monthly expenditure of Rs. 392 crore for this scheme, which will help to provide relief to the poor families who are facing difficulties due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
