This Article is From Feb 01, 2014

Nitish Kumar launches food security scheme in Bihar, says he is 'unhappy' with the Centre's mechanism

Nitish Kumar launches food security scheme in Bihar, says he is 'unhappy' with the Centre's mechanism
Patna: With the national elections just three months away, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today launched the food security act in his state that aims to benefit nearly seven crore people in rural Bihar and 70 lakh people in urban Bihar.

Under the scheme, 55 lakh tonnes of foodgrain will be distributed - each person will get 5 kilos of foodgrain every month at the rate of Rs 2 per kg for grain and Rs 3 per kg for rice.

The Chief Minister said today that his government has identified over one crore families below the poverty line but the Centre was willing to recognise only 65 lakh. "Whenever something goes wrong, the Centre puts the onus on the states," he added.

Over 44,000 ration shops at Panchayat level will be used to implement the scheme. The allocation will be made under three schemes - Antyodaya , Annapurna and one more scheme.

Vehicles that deliver the ration will be GPS monitored; a call centre with toll free no has also been opened to register grievances, the chief minister announced.


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