The Hindu : National : ‘Hoarders checked, PDS streamlined in Himachal’

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Sunday, Aug 31, 2008
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‘Hoarders checked, PDS streamlined in Himachal’

Staff Correspondent

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh has successfully checked the black marketing of essential commodities and has streamlined the public distribution system in the State, claimed an official spokesman here on Saturday.

Regular and surprise inspections and raids on hoarders and profiteers have brought a sea change and improvement, he said.

He said the PDS is providing essential commodities to more than 15 lakh ration card holders of the State through 4351 fair price shops.

It is ensuring the food security to APL, BPL families, Antodya families and aged persons of 65 years or above, he said.

As per the norms, 35 kg of food grains — 20 kg of wheat flour and 15 kg of rice — are being provided to APL families at reasonable rates. Wheat flour is being made available at Rs.8 per kg whereas rice is priced at Rs.9 per kg. There are 9,93,425 ration card holders under the scheme and the Centre has allocated 9490 MT of wheat, 5000 MT of additional wheat and 7118 MT of rice to the category for July to September.

Wheat flour and rice are being sold at Rs.5.25 and Rs.6.85 per kg respectively to 3,16,900 BPL families. The Central government is allocating 6338 MT wheat and 4757 MT rice per month for the scheme.

In addition, 1,97,100 ration card holders under the Antodaya Ann Yojna are being provided 35 kg of food grain per month at the rate of Rs. 2 kg for wheat and Rs. 3 per kg for rice. Centre has provided 3942 MT wheat and 2953 MT rice to these consumers in the State.

Senior citizens above the age of 65, who are not getting old age pension, are covered under the Annapurna Yojna and are being provided 10 kg of rice per person per month free of cost.

The Centre has allocated 4704 MT control-rate sugar per month, which is being provided to all ration card holders at Rs.13.50 per kg.

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