‘Anna Yojana and Public Distribution System’ celebrated in Longleng, Zunheboto

Dimapur, April 22 (MExN): The Department of Food and Civil Supplies (F &CS) in various parts of Nagaland celebrated ‘Anna Yojana and Public Distribution System’ under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

According to a report from the state DIPR, the celebration in Longleng district was held on April 21 at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall with Additional Deputy Commissioner (HQ) D Robin as the special guest. 

The special guest is said to have asserted that the celebration was an opportunity for the people to extend their gratitude to both the Government of India and Nagaland under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for taking the initiative to provide free ration to the poor beneficiaries during the COVID-19 crisis.

As per the DIPR report, ADC Robin also lauded the officials and staff of the F&CS department for rendering their best services by reaching out to the beneficiaries during the most difficult situations. He informed that the people of Longleng have greatly benefited from the scheme.

Speaking on behalf of fair price shops and beneficiaries, YB Angam extended gratitude to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister for launching the ‘pro-people scheme’ during the high COVID-19 period. He pointed out that the Scheme had given hope and benefited the people at large including non-card holders, daily wage earners and physically challenged people, the report stated. He also appealed to the people to extend full cooperation to the government and to avail the opportunity provided. 

Presenting a brief report on Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the ADS Longleng John KR Zeliang informed that the scheme which was launched in April 2020 is now in its sixth phase and has been extended from April 2022 - September 2022. 

He said PMGKAY is an additional allocation of foodgrains to all the beneficiaries covered under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) free of cost. The scheme is a pro-poor initiative and as part of economic response to COVID-19 to ameliorate the hardships faced by the poor due to economic disruption caused by the COVID pandemic by providing additional foodgrains @ 5kg per person per month, the ADS informed.

Earlier, welcome address was proposed by Y Alex Akai and vote of thanks by ADS John KR Zeliang, while testimonials were shared by the beneficiaries who attended the programme, the DIPR reported.

Zunheboto: A similar programme was also held in Zunheboto district on April 22 with Deputy Commissioner Rahul Bhanudas Mali as the special guest, according to the DIPR.

On the occasion, the DC is said to have emphasized on the importance of the scheme, terming it as the ‘best mechanism’ to provide aid and benefit the poorest in the country at times of immense hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Rahul mentioned that the central government under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi could counter the hazardous effects of the pandemic with different policies and it acted as a relief to various wounds,’ the DIPR report stated.

Assistant Director, F&CS Zunheboto, Kiyevi I Swu gave a brief report on the PMGKAY scheme and mentioned that the celebration would go on in other districts of the state as well throughout the month of April. The report was followed by testimonials from beneficiaries.

President of urban GBs, Shiwoto Zhimo appealed to the FPSs to continue the good work and judiciously implement the policies of the government, the DIPR stated.

The programme which was organized by the F &CS Department, Zunheboto, was chaired by Senior Inspector Sashilemla Pongen and vote of thanks was delivered by Inspector Alovito Yepthomi.