The government will finalise a scheme in next three-four days to supply fortified rice to Antyodaya families and Anganwadi centres, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said today.
Highlighting the initiatives and reforms done by his ministry during the past four years, Paswan said the government has not revised the Central Issue Price under the National Food Security act (NFSA) for five years and would not be changed either for next one year.
The food security act has been implemented in all states and UTs benefiting around 80.72 crore people. Under the scheme coarse grain, wheat and rice is given at Rs 1/kg, Rs2/kg and Rs 3/kg respectively to beneficiaries.
As Central Issue Price has not been changed, he said food subsidy has increased by 26 per cent from Rs 1.13 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1.43 lakh crore now.
Talking about more reforms, the minister said his ministry had a discussion with Niti Aayog on adding additional nutrition to rice.
He said Niti Aayog's Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar has agreed with the proposal.
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"We have decided to implement it in phases," he said adding details would be out in the coming 3-4 days.
Paswan further said that to begin with, families under the Antyodaya, mid-day meal at Anganwadi centres and students living in hostels, would be given the grain with added nutrition.
The minister also highlighted the reforms in procurement of foodgrains.
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