Launched by the government of Punjab and the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. The scheme was launched on the 61st Day of Independence in 2007 and later was relaunched by the current government. The scheme was launched in the words of Captain Amarinder Singh the Chief Minister of Punjab.
The scheme was launched with a specific aim set which is to provide food grains to the poor people at a subsidised rate, under the scheme the families that fall below the poverty line would benefit the most.
via Highlights of the scheme
- Launched under the name of Atta-Dal Scheme Cards in Punjab to be Replaced with New Smart Cards
- Launched by the Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh
- To provide food grains at a subsidised rate to the people below the poverty line
- 42 crore people will benefit from the scheme
- The scheme has been relaunched
What is the eligibility criteria?
- The beneficiary should be living in the state of Punjab
- The person should fall under the category of BPL or AAY and the person should have a valid smart card
- The person should hold land less than 2.5 acres and the annual income of the family should be less than INR. 60000 per annum.
How to apply for the scheme?
The following documents are required to be eligible for the scheme:
- Aadhaar Card
- Below the Poverty Line (BPL) Card
- Antyodaya Ration Card and
- A passport size photograph
Once the documents have been submitted the beneficiary can approach the food officer in the district to apply for a code or the beneficiary can contact the gram panchayat, Zila Parishad or the block officer.
Implementation of the scheme
The scheme will provide food grains at subsidised rates to the poor families and this will help families in getting food that has nutrition required to keep them healthy and safe. The rate of the food grains have been subsidised by the government of Punjab and protect the families against inflation. Under the scheme, the government would also provide aata and dal to the people. This scheme is especially beneficial for the people who are unable to obtain food at even the market rate. Under the scheme, wheat will be given at the price of INR. 2 per kg and the pulses have also been subsidised. The people will get 2.5 kg’s of the pulse at a subsidised rate. As per the government, the distribution of the items will be done at the doorsteps of the people.
Conclusion
India is the country with one of the largest population and being unable to get food properly and hence this scheme should be the perfect scheme to help the people to get healthy food. The government also aims to benefit the people with employment in the coming years.