Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Punjab government today announced that it will distribute wheat at Re one a kg under its ambitious 'Atta-Dal' scheme, making it cheaper than the rate offered under the National Food Security Programme.
Besides, the number of beneficiaries under this scheme would be doubled from 15 lakh families to 30 lakh.
The announcement was made by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during the foundation stone laying ceremony of Rs 115 crore state-of-the art historical monument cum Maharishi Valmiki temple here.
Under its Atta-Dal scheme, the Punjab government is currently giving 25 kg wheat at a rate Rs 4 per kg and 2.5 kg pulses at a rate of Rs 20 per kg.
The new rate of wheat under Atta Dal Scheme would also be lower than Rs 2 per kg at which wheat would be distributed under Centre's National Food Security Programme.
The Chief Minister said the move is to widen the ambit of the scheme to ensure two square meals a day to the several left out poor families.
