TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 21, 2024: The Chhattisgarh Assembly approved demands for grants totaling Rs 3,033 crore 48 lakh 88 thousand concerning the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department, following discussions led by Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel.
Highlighting achievements in paddy procurement, Minister Baghel revealed that a record-breaking 144.92 lakh metric tons of paddy were purchased this year from 24 lakh 72 thousand 440 farmers, totaling Rs 31,913 crore in payments. He emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting farmers, having disbursed the highest amounts since Chhattisgarh’s inception. Additionally, outstanding bonuses for paddy from the Kharif years 2014-15 and 2015-16, amounting to Rs 3 thousand 433 crore, have been cleared.
In the realm of public distribution, Minister Baghel outlined significant improvements. Renewal of ration cards issued in 2019 commenced on January 25, 2024, with 77 lakh 10 thousand cards undergoing renewal. To streamline the process, an easy-to-use mobile app was developed for online applications, with provisions for non-mobile users to apply through fair price shop operators.
Furthermore, efforts to expand the Public Distribution System (PDS) infrastructure saw the opening of 283 new fair price shops, facilitating easier access to ration items for beneficiaries. Notably, 03 lakh 57 thousand new ration cards were issued, with 04 lakh 79 thousand new members added to existing cards during the current financial year.
Responding to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative, the state government committed to providing free rice to 67 lakh 80 thousand poor families with Antyodaya and Priority Ration cards from January 2024 to December 2028. Additionally, fortified rice distribution under the Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme aimed to address nutritional deficiencies, with 19 lakh 14 thousand tonnes distributed to beneficiaries under PDS by December 2023.
Ensuring a smooth procurement process for farmers, Minister Baghel noted adequate arrangements for gunny bags and online payment facilities, with transactions completed within 48 hours. A statewide campaign against illegal paddy transportation resulted in 817 cases registered and 37,717 quintals of seized paddy. Notably, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai extended the paddy purchase deadline to February 4, 2024, to accommodate remaining farmers.
