CHANGE STARTS WITH A SINGLE 'DOORSTEP’
The Delhi government is transforming the ration system one ‘doorstep' at a time
On the eve of Republic Day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, declared that Delhi government’s highly ambitious welfare project ‘Mukhyamantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana’ will begin by March 2021. The scheme which was announced in July 2020 proposes a complete transformation of the ration system in Delhi. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries will have the option to get neatly wrapped packets of dry ration delivered to their homes. The scheme comes in response to the wide ranging issues in the Public Distribution System such as contamination of ration, less quantity of dry ration provided to people, untimely closing of shops and other such inconveniences. . Through this revolutionary approach, the government hopes to ensure all people have the capacity to feed themselves with dignity. While Corona lockdowns began across the world, it became increasingly apparent that the world faced not just a health emergency but a food emergency as well. During lockdown in the month of April,the Delhi government was prompt in declaring an increase in quantity of dry ration by 50% to 70 lakhs ration card holders free of charge. They were also provided with ration kits which included essential items such as chickpeas, oil, soap, spices, sugar, salt, etc. But the loss of jobs and reduced income increased the number of vulnerable households facing acute food insecurity. Aware of the circumstances faced by the public, 26 lakh Chief Minister Corona Relief Kits were distributed once per family to both ration and non-ration card holders . The uniqueness and success of the initiative lay in the fact that beneficiaries could register for e-coupons online and collect ration from a nearby location . In an effort to cover migrant workers temporary coupons were issued to them through public representatives. These coupons made them eligible for 5kg free dry ration. Each MLA/MP was given
2000 coupons each, which were
Delhi government’s highly ambitious welfare project ‘Mukhyamantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana’ will begin by March 2021 distributed to migrant workers in need of food. During the pandemic lockdown the government provided ration to nearly one crore people which is nearly half the population of Delhi. These accomplishments show that Delhi is a pioneer state for its commitment in ensuring food security to its people. The welfare schemes initiated during the pandemic have shown the effectiveness of government’s reforms towards transforming the Public Distribution System. Delhi government’s latest initiative of providing doorstep delivery of ration is another step in making the Public Distribution System more efficient and transparent.
“During the Corona pandemic, the government has decided to distribute free 5kg ration to another three million people. So, in all, our food security scheme will now cover 10 million people, which is more than half of Delhi's population." - Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi