Centre Fears Rise In Ration Rates Under Delhi's Doorstep Ration Scheme

Union Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said the centre has already flagged concerns with the Delhi government and asked not to implement the ''Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana," saying it deviates from the NFSA.

Raising critical objections to the Delhi government's doorstep ration delivery scheme, Union Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey on Wednesday said 72 lakh ration card holders in the national capital may end up buying foodgrains at a higher rate than Rs 1-3 per kg fixed under a central law if the proposed scheme is implemented. Besides, Delhi beneficiaries who keep changing their residence from one locality to another will get an option to choose only once a year the fair price shop (FPS) from where they intend to buy the subsidised foodgrains, while such option is being given every month under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) enacted by the central government, he said. Also, biometric authenticated distribution of ration is not happening in Delhi despite the centre ensuring installation of electronic point of sale (ePoS) machines in about 2018 FPSs in the Union Territory, Mr Pandey said and raised concern about alleged diversion of foodgrains. Mr Pandey said the centre has already flagged concerns with the Delhi government and asked not to implement the ''Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana'' -- which is scheduled to start from March 25 -- saying it deviates from the NFSA.