‘Free food’ coupons for the poor

Bijendra Ahlawat

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Tribune News Service

Palwal, November 1

To commemorate the golden jubilee of the state’s formation, the district administration today launched a novel scheme of providing the poor with free food.

The administration has taken cue from Kerala, where a similar scheme has been launched, said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ashok Kumar Sharma.

The registration of beneficiaries, believed to be around 2,000, started today.

“Those wanting to avail the benefit will have to register themselves with the administration. Once registered, they will be issued food coupons or monthly passes against which they can have food from designated eateries,” the DC said.

Verification of financial condition of applicants would be completed in two to three days. They will be required to produce an identity proof, probably Aadhaar card or ration card. “Those without an identity proof, will be issued one,” Sharma said.

Of around 50 dhaba (eatery) owners contacted so far, 35 have confirmed to provide food free to the poor. The district administration will pay them at the end of every month.

A plate of a meal, comprising five chapattis and a bowl of vegetable or dal, will cost between Rs 25 and Rs 30.

“The objective is to ensure that residents of the district should not be left hungry before they go to sleep,” Sharma said.

The administration has had informal meetings with dhaba owners. “A formal interaction with them is scheduled for Thursday to give a final shape to the scheme,” the Deputy Commissioner said, adding the District Red Cross Society and the Social Welfare Department would coordinate to make the scheme a success.