Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji
Unable to queue up at Fair Price Shops, several elderly and physically disabled ration card holders have often missed out on their monthly foodgrains, leading to uncollected stocks piling up in government godowns. In response, the Department of Civil Supplies has launched a pilot project to deliver foodgrains at the doorstep of such beneficiaries in three talukas.
The department has identified eligible beneficiaries taluka-wise across the state and has commenced the pilot in Tiswadi, Ponda and Bicholim.
“As per a survey conducted, around 20 to 25 households in each of the three talukas require doorstep delivery. Based on the response and operational feasibility, the service may be expanded to other talukas,” said a department official.
The scheme has been rolled out on a trial basis using departmental vehicles, said the official.
“There were instances where beneficiaries from this section did not appear to collect their foodgrain quota, resulting in accumulation of stocks at godowns,” the official said.
Under the Public Distribution System, beneficiaries are categorised into three main groups. Priority Household card holders are entitled to 5 kg of rice per family member every month. Antyodaya Anna Yojana card holders receive 35 kg of rice per month per card. A limited number of Above Poverty Line card holders are also covered under subsidised distribution and receive 14 kg of rice and 10 kg of wheat at subsidised rates.
The official said the pilot phase will help assess operational challenges and streamline the process before a wider rollout is considered.
Last year, the department had initiated doorstep delivery of foodgrains to all Fair Price Shops. Under the National Food Security Act, delivery of foodgrains directly to Fair Price Shops is mandatory, the official said.
