Uttarakhand Enhances Antyodaya Scheme with Direct Subsidy Transfer

The Uttarakhand government has taken a significant step to bolster its Chief Minister Antyodaya Free Gas Refill Scheme by announcing direct financial transfers to eligible beneficiaries' bank accounts. Authorities intend to enforce strict mechanisms to guarantee that the subsidies are utilized solely for their intended purpose: LPG cylinder refills.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, approximately 184,000 families holding Antyodaya cards, amounting to roughly 10 lakh individuals, stand to benefit from the scheme. During a review meeting at the Secretariat, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami instructed officials to ensure that beneficiaries receive full advantages of the program.

In a pioneering move, Uttarakhand has become the first state to launch this scheme, aligning with the National Food Security Act. The Chief Minister has called for an updated beneficiary database and measures to bypass biometric hurdles for senior citizens and other eligible individuals. Additionally, he stressed the importance of maintaining the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, enabling seamless ration access across the country.

The Food Department has been directed to examine storage facilities and enhance their security to ensure safe foodgrain storage. The real-time monitoring of transactions on the e-Purti portal and the strengthening of distribution systems were prioritized. Immediate actions were mandated against fake ration cards and negligent officials.

Chief Minister Dhami also highlighted the need for systematic ration distribution, especially in remote regions, and a detailed buffer stock plan for districts. He emphasized that foodgrain supplies for mid-day meals and Anganwadi centers should remain uninterrupted, and effective grievance redressal should be guaranteed.

(With inputs from agencies.)