Ranchi: On Sunday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced massive changes to the state's public distribution system (PDS) if the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance is re-elected. Speaking at a rally, Soren stated that each person will receive 7 kg of ration per month instead of the current 5 kg.
Focus on vulnerable groups
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Soren emphasised his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Jharkhand. He promised to increase pension amounts for the elderly and other beneficiaries. He criticised the previous BJP government, claiming that 11 lakh ration cards and 3 lakh pensions were cancelled during their tenure, leading to hunger-related deaths among tribal and Dalit communities.
"I am proud that while deaths due to hunger were common in the BJP rule, in your Abua (our)government, every Jharkhandi is getting ration, pension and nutrition as per their rights," Soren posted on X.
Expansion of the PDS
In an effort to further assist those in need, Soren declared that an additional 10 lakh people currently excluded from subsidised grains would be included in the PDS. He said, "As soon as our government is formed again in Jharkhand, 7 kg of grain will be provided per person instead of 5 kg of grain in the public distribution system. The pension amount will also be increased."
Support for women and children
Under the proposed Maiyan Samman Yojana, women beneficiaries would receive Rs 2,500 per month. Additionally, children attending Anganwadi centres would be provided with fruits and eggs in their mid-day meals to ensure better nutrition.
Jharkhand's Assembly elections are set to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with the vote count scheduled for November 23.
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Published: 03 Nov 2024, 12:39 pm IST
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