Kolkata, Oct 16 On the occasion of World Food Day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee outlined the details of the initiatives her government has taken to ensure food security for every person in the state, and pointed out that over seven crore people were provided free ration every month.
In a social media post on Thursday morning, the Chief Minister had claimed that under the state-run 'Khadyasathi' project, free rations are provided to nearly 9 crore people in the state.
"Of these, every month, 7,50,00,000 people in the state are receiving free rations at their doorsteps through the 'Duare Ration' initiative. The remaining beneficiaries are collecting food grains from the ration shops of their choice," the Chief Minister claimed.
At the same time, she added, during festivals like Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Chhath Puja, and the month of Ramzan, as well as during Eid celebrations, the poorest families are provided with sugar, flour, and chickpeas (only during Ramzan) at subsidised prices.
She had also claimed that under another project titled 'Maa', her government is providing lunch to poor people at a subsidised rate of just Rs 5. "Through 356 'Maa Canteens', 8,58,00,000 have benefited," the Chief Minister added.
She had also claimed that her government, this year, directly procured a record 56.33 lakh tonnes of paddy from 16.50 lakh farmers for the 'Khadyasathi' project, and ensured a fair price.
At the same time, she added, the state government had opened 745 fair price outlets under the brand 'Sufal Bangla', where the poor are provided with vegetables and fruits at much lower prices than the market rates.
"Now, fish is also being sold at affordable prices at Sufal Bangla. For the convenience of the people, the number of these outlets is being significantly increased. Our comprehensive efforts to uphold the right to food for all will continue unabated in the days to come," the Chief Minister claimed.
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