Bihar Government Issues Ration Cards to 2.375 Million New Beneficiaries

Patna, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Bihar government has taken a significant step towards ensuring food security for low-income families. During an event in Patna, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary distributed ration cards to 2.375 million new beneficiaries. Additionally, licenses were granted for 1,448 new public distribution system (PDS) shops across the state.

The Chief Minister stated that the government aims to connect one crore new individuals to ration cards, with nearly 24 lakh already added. He emphasized that eligible families without ration cards can still apply. The government is committed to providing new cards to all applicants within 30 days of their application. The event commenced with the lighting of a lamp, during which the Chief Minister symbolically handed out new ration cards to select beneficiaries.

In his speech, Chaudhary reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no poor person in Bihar goes hungry and that no eligible family is excluded from government schemes. Improving the quality of life for the poor and providing them with opportunities for a dignified existence remains a top priority. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the provision of free grain to impoverished families.

Currently, Bihar has a total of 2.09 crore ration cards benefiting approximately 8.46 crore individuals. The government is also linking families to health security initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Furthermore, all families will receive 125 units of free electricity. In a new initiative, starting next year, ration cardholders aged 75 and above will have their rations delivered to their homes, relieving them of the burden of traveling to distribution centers.

Discussing rural development, the Chief Minister mentioned that plans worth ₹22,000 crore are underway under the ‘Seva Sankalp and Kayakalp Abhiyan’ to enhance basic facilities in villages. This includes the development of health centers, schools, anganwadi centers, community buildings, and essential amenities like Chhath ghats. Efforts will also focus on identifying needy individuals at the panchayat level to connect them with government schemes.

On employment, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s goal to provide one crore jobs and employment opportunities over the next five years. Initiatives are being taken to boost industrial activities in the state, ensuring that youth can find jobs locally. The government aims to create a system by 2030 that prevents Bihar residents from having to seek employment in other states.

Regarding farmers’ interests, he noted that a request has been made to the central government to set a procurement target of 50 lakh metric tons of paddy, ensuring fair prices for farmers. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Food and Consumer Protection Minister Ashok Chaudhary, Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, and several senior officials and representatives. District magistrates and beneficiaries from all districts also participated via video conferencing.