West Bengal, Bihar lag behind in distribution of free grains and pulses

Data shows that Bihar is entitled to distribute 50,655 tonnes of pulses in April, May and June, however, it has received much less and hence the distribution is also slow

Though critics might say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the free foodgrain distribution programme with the upcoming Bihar elections in mind, the state is a laggard when it comes to distribution of grain and pulses under the scheme.

West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar all performed unsatisfactorily in implementing the scheme, under which 5 kg of grains and 1 kg of pulses are distributed free of cost to ration cardholders for the months of April, May and June. Modi extended the scheme for another five months on Tuesday.

Data available till June 30 show that Bihar distributed around 72 per