In the month of May, the Maharashtra Government has distributed 33.84 lakh subsidised meals to the poor and needy in the state, said State Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday in a media statement.
The subsidised meals, under the Shiv Bhojan Thali, is an important programme of the Thackeray government. Under the programme, a single meal was sold for Rs 10. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, the price was reduced to Rs 5 so that migrant labourers could also benefit from the scheme.
The Minister said that the distribution of foodgrains began smoothly from 52,428 ration shops in the State. In the month of May, 74.84 lakh quintals of foodgrains was distributed to 1.52 crore ration card holders in the state.
Five kilograms of rice per poor beneficiary is being provided free of cost, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, for the months of April, May and June. From May 1 to May 31, 1.34 crore ration cards holders have been provided rice under this scheme. To address the Covid-19 crisis, the State government has decided to provide 3.08 crore ration card holders wheat at a rate of Rs 8 per kg.