Gandhinagar : In a heartening initiative this Diwali, the Gujarat government has launched a large-scale distribution of essential food items to support over 74 lakh ration card holder families across the state. Through this effort, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs aims to ensure food and nutritional security for economically disadvantaged families, enabling them to celebrate the festival season without additional financial stress.
The scheme includes essential items such as wheat, rice, edible oil, sugar, and protein-rich foods, provided at subsidized rates to beneficiaries under various state and central government schemes. This widespread support benefits an estimated 3.60 crore people, with items distributed through more than 17,000 fair price shops across Gujarat.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the Gujarat government is distributing free wheat and rice to 74 lakh families. The initiative, launched in October for the Diwali season, covers families registered under two major categories: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority House Hold (PHH). The AAY families, about 8 lakh in total, receive 15 kg of wheat and 20 kg of rice per ration card, amounting to a total of 35 kg of food grains at no cost. Meanwhile, 66 lakh PHH families, which cover around 3.32 crore people, are entitled to 2 kg of wheat and 3 kg of rice per person, with each family of five members receiving a total of 25 kg of grains.
In addition to staple grains, the state has made edible oil accessible to all 74 lakh ration card holders at a highly subsidized price. Each family is eligible to purchase groundnut oil (Singtel) at Rs. 100 per liter, significantly lower than the market rate. This discount aims to help families manage the additional costs associated with preparing festive meals.
Furthermore, approximately 3.2 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya families are provided with surplus sugar at subsidized prices. They can purchase 1 kg of sugar at rates of Rs. 15 to Rs. 22 per kg, alleviating some of the financial burden of festival celebrations.
To promote nutritional support, the government is also distributing protein-rich items to all 74 lakh families. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), gram and tur dal (split pigeon peas) are available at discounted rates: 1 kg of gram is provided at Rs. 30 per kg, while tur dal is available at Rs. 50 per kg. This initiative to supply protein-rich foods aligns with the state’s commitment to enhancing the nutritional intake of families.
For the first time, oil-coated tur dal is included in the ration supplies, receiving a positive response from beneficiaries across the state. Additionally, double-fortified salt is available to all ration card holders for Rs. 1 per kg, supporting overall family health at an affordable cost.
Through these initiatives, Gujarat’s government has shown a proactive approach in supporting underprivileged families during the festive season. The state’s welfare efforts under PMGKAY and NFSA, complemented by state schemes, reflect a strong commitment to ensure that every family, particularly those under Antyodaya and PHH, can celebrate Diwali without compromising on their basic needs.
