Minister for CA&PD, Ch. Zulfkar Ali today informed the House that previously 99 lakh souls of the State were provided ration as per census of 2000 by Department of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution under targeted public distribution system. Replying to a Calling Attention Notices by Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, the Minister said under the said regime the population of district Leh / Kargil and some areas of district Kupwara viz Karnah, Machil, Budmul, Jumgund, Karen, Kumeeli and Gurez and Tulail area of district Bandipora besides some areas of district Kishtwar viz Marwah, Dachhan, Warwan and Padder were provided the ration at the scale of 13 kg per soul, keeping in view the tough geographical conditions, snow bound and lower productive areas.The Minister said the previous distribution system was mostly uneven and no proper scale was maintained throughout the state.
The Minister said the National Flood Security Act-2013 was implemented in the State from February, 2016. He said as per the provisions of National Food Security Act an even distribution system is maintained and the scale of 5 kg is prescribed per soul per month.He said keeping in view the requirement of the food grains in the state, Government is going to launch the “Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme” from July 2016 which will supplement additional 5 kg ration to per soul per month in addition to his entitlement under NFSA. The Minister said that this will protect the interest of the families having upto 6 members. He said with this about 81 lakh population of the State will also be benefited and there will be extra burden of Rs. 358 crore per annum. He said the scheme is also applicable to the people of Ladakh and other areas as well.