Govt to launch food scheme in Indira’s name for the poor
PLAN State plans to provide meals at ~8 per plate to the needy
JAIPUR: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday directed state officials to launch the ‘Indira Gandhi Rasoi Yojna’, a statesponsored food programme to ensure ‘no one sleeps hungry’.
Invoking the former prime minister, he said she dedicated her entire life to the service and welfare of the poor. He added that his government will launch the programme in her name as it will cater to the needy by offering them nutritious food at a nominal rate of ₹8 per plate.
Reviewing the nitty-gritty of the scheme before its roll out, at his residence on Sunday, the CM said it would be implemented in the spirit of public service, transparency and public participation so that it becomes a template when it comes to ensuring food security of the country’s poor.
He said his government will spend ₹100 crores annually to implement the scheme, adding that he has also sought participation of NGOS and other serviceoriented institutions to ensure successful conduct of the programme.
He said he has asked all district collectors to identify and engage such organisations at the earliest.
They have also been assigned to select appropriate sites for setting up kitchens, the CM added. He has also sought formation of committees at the state and district levels to monitor the quality of food distributed under the programme.
Elaborating on the contours of the scheme, state Urban Development minister Shanti Dhariwal said, “Studies and experiences of other states in implementing similar schemes have been incorporated in the Indira Rasoi Yojna. As part of the programme, lunch and dinner will be provided at discounted rates. The state government will provide a grant of ₹12 per plate. In all, 358 kitchens will be made operational under the project and 213 local bodies will be involved in implementing it.”
Bhavani Singh Detha, secretary, local self-governance, said as many as 4.87 crore people will be provided subsidised meals under this scheme and the number could be increased further, as per the requirement. “The kitchens will be opened in public places such as railway stations, bus stands, hospitals and checkposts. A platter will comprise daal (pulses), vegetables, chapati (hand-rolled bread) and pickles. However, there will also be other items based on local culinary choices,” he said.
“T h e k i t c h e n s wi l l b e equipped in a manner as to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The progress of the scheme will be monitored through the use of IT. A beneficiary will receive a confirmation SMS on his mobile phone as soon as he purchases a coupon. The kitchens will be monitored through smartphone apps and CCTVS.