Free rations for Bhopal gas victims

NK SINGH

Bhopal: The distribution of free foodgrain and milk to the gas-hit people of Bhopal, which commenced soon after they returned to their localities, has continued for the past four months, providing succour to a very large population distress. The Madhya Pradesh Government has already spent over Rs 6.4 crore on this.

The state Government decided to distribute free food grain to affected persons on December 21 last year.

According to official sources, the magnitude of this operation was so great that almost 500 officers and employees from various departments of the Government had to be mobilised to assist the district administration in organising this distribution. A large number of new ration cards had to be prepared and fair distribution ensured. In all, 212 fair price shops were assigned the distribution work and arrangements were made for supervising the work of these shops.

Each individual was issued 9 kg of wheat, 3 kg. of rice, 500 grams of sugar and 500 m.1. of edible oil.

Free distribution of milk commenced on December 9, 1984, To begin with, milk was distributed at 10 centres in the town. Subsequently, the number of centres increased to 26 and milk worth Rs 1 lakh a day is being issued through them, to 33,000 card-holders in the affected area. The milk is being supplied by the Bhopal Milk Federation. Until April 21 this year. 

1,92,180 quintals of wheat worth Rs 3.92 crore. 58,038 quintals of rice worth Rs 1.87 crore, 4,497 quintals of sugar worth Re 19.25 lakh and 3,78,953 litres of edible oil worth Rs 42.32 lakh had been distributed to the gas-hit population Also, 27,24,480 litres of milk was also distributed free, sources said. 

Indian Express

May 1, 1985