Khadya Sathi project ensures food to crores: CM

Kolkata: On World Food Day, which is celebrated worldwide on October 16, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lauded the Khadya Sathi project, which has ensured food security to 8.5 crore people.

She tweeted: "Today is #WorldFoodDay. Our Govt in #Bangla has ensured food security for over 8.5 cr people of #Bangla through Khadya Sathi Scheme. Special assistance is also provided to people of Jangalmahal, Hill areas, Aila-affected areas, Singur farmers, tea garden workers & the Toto tribe."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced Khadya Sathi in 2016, a unique scheme to provide rice at Rs 2 a kg to people from economically-challenged background. The state government procures rice at Rs 27 a kg and Rs 25 subsidy a kg is given to ensure food to poor people.

During her visits to the districts, Banerjee saw their poverty particularly in the areas dominated by the tribals. Many of them survived by consuming ants and fruits and had the opportunity to have rice one of two days in a year. Banerjee, who was in opposition then, vowed to do something for the poor people if she had ever come to power.

Accordingly, she took initiatives to provide food to such people. Banerjee in the administrative review meeting has said over and again that despite the huge loan burden the state government has implemented Khadya Sathi so poor people get one square meal a day. Now, 8.5 crore people have been brought under the purview of Khadya Sathi.

Now, tribals in Birbhum, West Midnapore and Jangalmahal have been covered by Khadya Sathi. Besides, the state government has prepared schemes for the Kendu leaves collectors.

They will work till the age of 60 years and in case of any accidental death their next of kin will get money. Thus, comprehensive financial and infrastructure development schemes have brought changes in the living standard of the tribal people in the area.

Khadya Sathi project has immensely benefitted the tea garden workers, particularly those tea garden that are closed. Starvation death in the tea gardens was a common event during the Left Front regime. But those days have gone and the workers even during the hard times get their food. Banerjee has instructed stringent measures against the ration dealers and the owners of rice mills, who supply poor quality rice under Khadya Sathi scheme.