Enclave dwellers to get rice, wheat at Rs 2 per kg

The state government has decided to give subsidised rice and wheat at Rs 2 per kg to the people of enclaves in North Bengal.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given her clearance for the scheme. The state Finance department has also given its nod. The state Food and Supplies department has prepared a detailed report after a survey. The report submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office hinted at the poor condition of the enclave dwellers.

According to the Food and Supplies department, rice would be given at a subsidised rate to around 2,867 people living in various enclaves. According to sources, around 35 kg of rice and 15 kg of wheat would be given to the enclave dwellers every month.

Around 200 families – who are reluctant to go to the enclave which now belongs to Bangladesh – would also be distributed rations free of cost. Additional one kg rice would be given to the families having more than 5 members.

Three camps have been opened at Haldibari, Dinhata and Mekhligung.

The Food and Supplies department will open 6 ration shops for this purpose. The enclave dwellers had faced problems after the enclaves came under Indian Territory as they did not have voter cards and as a result of this they were unable to avail rice, wheat and other food grains at subsidised rate.

The state food supply department distributed ration cards to these people on an urgent basis so that they can avail the facility. 

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced various food security schemes so that the people can avail rice at a subsidised rate.

Under the new scheme, seven crore people have been covered. Every cardholder gets 5 kg of cereals every month.