Himachal to roll out food subsidy

The Himachal Pradesh government will soon launch a central government scheme to provide subsidised food grain to over 32 lakh families in the state, a minister said here Tuesday.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh will unveil the Rajiv Gandhi Ann Yojna Sep 20, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.S Bali told reporters.

He said the scheme would benefit more than 32 lakh families in the state.

Bali said the state would enhance its food storage capacity and strengthen public distribution system.

The state, under its food subsidy scheme since 2007, has been providing three types of pulses, two edible oils and salt at subsidised rates to all 16,99,225 ration-card holders, including those above poverty line (APL) families.

A provision of Rs.175 crore has been made under the scheme this year, officials said.

Bali said the APL families would also get essential food commodities on subsidised rates like before.

The United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) food security act was earlier expected to be rolled out in the hill state on Aug 20, the birth anniversary of late former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.