Srinagar, July 08: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unveiled the ‘Prime Minister’s Food Supplementation for Priority Households Scheme,’ a welfare initiative aimed at providing additional food supplies to marginalized sections of society in the Union Territory (UT). The scheme is expected to benefit over 57 lakh people across the UT, ensuring improved accessibility and availability of sufficient food for economically disadvantaged households.
Addressing the press conference in Srinagar, LG Sinha expressed the administration’s commitment to strengthening food security for the most vulnerable sections of society. The scheme, covering more than 14 lakh households, will supplement the existing Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana by providing an additional 10 kg of rice at subsidised rates to priority households every month.
Under the newly launched scheme, eligible households falling under the Prime Minister’s Food Supplementation for priority households will receive the additional 10 kg of ration at a subsidized rate of Rs 25 per kg, as opposed to the standard rate of Rs 34 per kg for rice. This initiative will result in an annual expenditure of Rs 1.80 crore for the UT government.
LG Sinha highlighted that families categorized as priority households were already receiving 4 kg of free ration per person. Consequently, a family of four will now receive 16 kg of free ration along with the additional 10 kg of rice at the subsidised rates.
Presently, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana provides 35 kg of food grains per household to 2.29 lakh households in the UT, benefiting the poorest of the poor. Moreover, the Priority Households (PHH) category receives 5 kg of food grains per person free of cost. With 14.32 lakh ration card holders and approximately 57.24 lakh beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir falling under the PHH category, the new scheme aims to augment the monthly food availability for these households on subsidized rates, while ensuring it remains within the maximum allocation of 35 kg per household.
LG Sinha also highlighted the revival of the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) at a revised price. The scheme had been discontinued last year but has now been reinstated to alleviate the financial burden on poor families and ensure access to food and nutritional security.
Responding to queries regarding the delay in SSB recruitment, LG Sinha acknowledged complaints of irregularities in previous exams, leading to a CBI probe. He mentioned that the matter is currently before the High Court, and once a decision is reached, new exam dates will be announced within 15 days.
Regarding the recent road stretch collapse at Panthal, LG Sinha assured that efforts are underway to establish an alternate road within three days to facilitate Amarnath pilgrims. However, he emphasized that the permanent solution lies in the completion of the tunnel.
When questioned about potential power tariff relaxations for the poor, LG Sinha emphasized that individuals should pay power bills according to their usage. He highlighted that the accumulated power tariff bills from the Centre had reached Rs 31,000 crore in the last four years, necessitating a sustainable payment system. The installation of smart meters aims to promote fair billing practices, ensuring that people pay for the electricity they consume. LG Sinha emphasized that if individuals who are financially stable fulfill their payment obligations, the Jammu and Kashmir administration can formulate policies to assist those in need.
In light of the temporary suspension of the Amarnath Yatra due to adverse weather conditions, LG Sinha assured that all necessary arrangements were in place, and the administration was closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Once the weather improves, the yatra will resume, prioritizing the well-being of the participants.
