Panipat (Haryana), Aug 20

Haryana Tuesday became one of the first states in the country to launch the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013. Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda launched it in Panipat.

Panipat is some 190-km away from the state capital Chandigarh.

After the launch, Hooda distributed foodgrains among dozens of beneficiaries from Panipat. This scheme has been rolled out in the entire state Tuesday, with chairpersons of district public relations and grievance committees concerned launching it simultaneously at the district level.

The launch date also coincided with the birth anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Hooda hailed this ordinance as a historic measure, and said those who opposed it are not interested in the welfare of the poor. 

Speaking to media, he said, “They (opposition) had done nothing for the poor when they were in power. They always criticise our efforts towards development but do not come forward to discuss any progressive scheme.”

“Congress and the poor are complementary to each other. Congress is the only party which can further strengthen the country,” he added.

The food security scheme is aimed at providing adequate quantity of quality food to the people at affordable prices so they can live with dignity. Under this ordinance, Hooda said everyone would have the right to food in the state with implementation of the scheme.

“This is a historical day when dreams of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi have realised. This scheme would benefit more than 1.26 crore people in the state. With its implementation, the number of rural beneficiaries has increased from 38 lakh to 90.28 lakh and urban beneficiaries has gone up from 15.81 lakh to 36.21 lakh,” stated Hooda.

According to the ordinance, half of Haryana's population would be directly benefited from the scheme which would fetch them rice, wheat and coarse grains at subsidized rates of Rs. 3, Rs. 2, and Rs. 1, respectively. Also, 12.84 lakh BPL (below poverty line) families would get two-kg sugar per month at the subsidised rate of Rs.13.5 per kg per family. 

All eligible beneficiaries would benefit from the scheme from Aug 20.

“Strict instructions have been issued to the Food Corporation of India to ensure the supply of quality foodgrains under the scheme. The distribution of foodgrains would be conducted through ration depots for which proper supply had been ensured," pointed out Hooda. 

By:IANS

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