Dikshit asks MLAs to publicise food security scheme

Considering the potential of the food security scheme in the assembly polls, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today exhorted party MLAs and councillors to publicise the benefits of the ambitious programme and help eligible people enrol for it.
The scheme will be unveiled on August 20, the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi. Delhi will be the first state in the country to launch the scheme, dubbed a 'game changer' by Congress for the Lok Sabha polls next year.
In a meeting, Dikshit apprised the party MLAs and municipal councillors about the nitty grittes of the scheme and asked them to help the eligible people to enrol under the scheme.

"You must ensure effective implementation of the scheme. You will have to take the benefits of the scheme to the masses and educate them about it. You will also have to help the people enrol under the scheme" Dikshit said addressing the meeting. It was attended by all her cabinet colleagues besides a number of senior officials of Food and Supplies department.
Sources said UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is likely to launch the scheme in Delhi.
The Chief Minister said initially 32 lakh people from vulnerable sections including BPL families, beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana and those having jhuggi ration cards and resettlement colonies ration cards would be covered under the scheme.

"We will ultimately cover 73.5 lakh people, which will be 44 per cent of total population, under the scheme," she said.

Under the food security scheme, three-fourth population of the country will have the right to get 5 kg foodgrains every month at highly subsidised rates of Rs 1-3 per kg.
The per kg price of rice will be Rs 3 while wheat and coarse cereals will be given at Rs 2 and Rs 1 per kg, respectively, under the programme.
However, about 2.43 crore of the poorest of the poor families covered under AAY scheme under PDS would continue to get 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month but with legal entitlement.

Dikshit said application forms from "eligible people" will be received at 200 places in the city including offices of Food and Supplies Department and Gender Resource Centres.
The applications forms will also be given to MLAs for distribution among eligible people.
Officials said all the beneficiaries will have to have Aadhaar number to get benefit under the scheme.
Dikshit said a very simple form has been prepared so that people do not find it difficult to fill it up.
"For income proof, people can file affidavits with the form," she said.