Jammu: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir said that the Public Distribution System (PDS) serves approximately 24.79 lakh households, covering a total of 98.42 lakh beneficiaries across three categories: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Priority Households (PHH), and Non-Priority Households (NPHH).
In response to, MLA Peerzada Ferooz Ahmad’s inquiry, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir government said under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 16.64 lakh households, comprising 66.82 lakh beneficiaries, are eligible to receive free food grains every month. AAY households are entitled to 35 kg of food grains per month at no cost, while PHH beneficiaries receive 5 kg of food grains each month free of charge. Non-Priority Households are provided food grains at subsidized rates, with rice priced at Rs. 15 per kg, wheat at Rs. 12 per kg, and wheat flour at Rs. 13 per kg.
The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs has made significant efforts to include any left-out eligible households under the PDS. Orders have been issued to include such households as per eligibility criteria. However, the bifurcation of ration cards, which was halted through Government Order No. 85-CAPD of 2016, continues to be suspended to avoid complications such as arranging additional food grains and increasing the department’s burden.
The government remains committed to ensuring broader coverage under the PDS to meet the food security needs of all eligible households in the region.
