Free ration under NFSA, ONORC amid flood crisis: Minister Sirsa

Amid heavy rainfall in the national capital, which has led to waterlogging and flooding in several low-lying areas, Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday reviewed the status of ration distribution under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Stating that the Delhi government is actively assessing the situation during the monsoon season and taking every possible step to support the affected population, Sirsa announced that the September quota of ration under the NFSA is being distributed free of cost to beneficiaries, including eligible migrant families covered under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme.

Advertisement

During the inspection, officials informed the Minister that around 57 per cent of the September ration quota has already been distributed, while 1,45,610 beneficiaries have availed themselves of rations under the ONORC scheme. He added that despite the monsoon challenges, the ration distribution process is continuing smoothly.

As per Government of India allocations, the Food and Supplies Department is distributing essential commodities such as wheat, rice, and sugar to 72,77,975 NFSA beneficiaries, including Priority Households (PHH/PRS) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) categories.

Sirsa directed officials to ensure the mandatory display of key information at all fair-price shops, including details of Vigilance Committees, category-wise entitlements, stock positions, beneficiary counts, and helpline numbers. He also instructed that information regarding eligibility under the ONORC scheme be prominently displayed.

“With the smooth and orderly distribution of free ration under the ONORC scheme, launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi has become a benchmark in the country. It is among the top-performing states in ration distribution to migrants under this scheme,” the Minister said.

“We are ensuring that food reaches everyone in need without delay,” he added. “I have directed officials to maintain operations at fair-price shops and prevent any denial of rations. In coordination with the Revenue Department, we are also facilitating the distribution of cooked food packets to those in need.”

“The government’s coordinated efforts are a testament to our commitment to supporting citizens during these challenging weather conditions. We have reliable mechanisms in place to deliver food wherever it is required,” he further said.