A GIFT FOR THE NEEDY
New Delhi
Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs KH Muniyappa on Wednesday said a new ration kit in the name of ‘Indira Gandhi’ will be introduced under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) under the name ‘Indira Kit’.
Addressing th media, he said the kit will contain pulses, oil, salt and sugar. It will directly go to the family and these ingrediants are protein-rich, which is useful for the growth of children as well as others.
Muniyappa said the tender process and quality check are underway to implement this scheme by January or February next.
Shortage of maize, price issues
He expressed concern over the non-availability of maize for the Public Distribution System (PDS). “We are not getting enough maize and are trying to procure it,” he said. Citing the example of people consuming more maize than rice in North Karnataka, he said a comprehensive plan is needed for production and storage.
Highlighting the issue of maize prices, especially ‘Maldandi’, the minister said, “The price of this maize is Rs 1,000 to 1,500 per quintal below the minimum support price (MSP). If its price is increased, farmers will be encouraged to supply to the government.”
Saying he has appealed to the Chief Minister and the ministers of North Karnataka in this regard, Muniyappa said the state price fixing committee should consider the actual situation and take action.
