CM Yogi likely to continue free ration scheme in UP

The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh plans to continue free ration distribution to all 15 crore beneficiaries in the state. The free ration distribution turned out to be a major issue in the recently concluded Assembly polls in which the BJP retained power in the state.

The scheme was launched last December for four months. The beneficiaries received packed 1 kg of the whole chana, 1 liter of edible oil, 1 kg of salt once every month, apart from 5 kg of wheat/rice per unit (family member) per month through the network of 80,000 fair price shops under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Antyodaya or the poorest families were entitled to 35 kg of wheat/rice per ration card irrespective of a number of units or the size of the family, apart from getting other commodities. The free food distribution scheme that cost the exchequer around Rs 4800 crore in four months is believed to have paid rich electoral dividends to the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party by helping it get the absolute majority in the recently concluded elections.