Coronavirus outbreak: States can borrow three months' ration from FCI

The move will help states distribute foodgrains free of cost to the poor and vulnerable sections impacted by the COVID-19

The Centre on Monday allowed states to borrow three months of ration from the Food Corporation (FCI) warehouses, to help them distribute foodgrains free of cost to the poor and vulnerable sections impacted by the COVID-19.

In February, the states were allocated 4.55 million tonnes (mt) of wheat and rice under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), of which states lifted around 4.42 mt, that is almost 97 per cent.

That apart, grains are also allocated for distribution for other welfare schemes, that includes mid-day meal programme, Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), and defence forces.

Uttar Pradesh,