2 mn without ration cards in Delhi eligible for state govt’s free ration scheme

The Delhi government has estimated that a maximum of two million people who don’t have ration cards will be eligible for 5kg food grain at 100% subsidy, as part of its lockdown relief measures. The distribution will be done at 280 government schools, said Delhi’s food and civil supplies minister Imran Hussain on Friday.

“Needy people who don’t possess ration cards, including unorganised workers, migrant workers, building and construction workers, domestic helps are eligible to receive food grains under this relief initiative. Ration will be provided to a maximum of ₹2 lakh beneficiaries in the initial phase. Later, as per demand and need assessment from the field, the initiative can be extended up to 20 lakh beneficiaries,” said Hussain in a press statement.

He further said, “The non- PDS (public distribution system) ration shall be distributed from designated schools from 10am to 4pm, with weekly off on Sunday. Each school identified for distribution of non-PDS ration will be provided a login ID and password for entering the stock received.” He added that the details entered will help in keeping a proper record for the purpose of registration and distribution.

Government documents seen by HT showed that the 280 schools will be identified to ensure four distribution points in each of the 70 assembly constituencies in the city.

The government has also started looking for transporters for carrying the ration from the three designated godowns in Narela, Mayapuri and Gheora to the schools.

Senior government officials, however, said they are yet to decide the exact date of starting the ration distribution system under the scheme.