The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Jharkhand): In a significant move aimed at bolstering food security and supporting government employees with caregiving responsibilities, the Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Champai Soren, has announced the provision of free pulses and refined iodized salt to consumers under various food security schemes. The announcement was made during a cabinet meeting that also saw the approval of child care leave for up to two years for women officers and single male government employees for two children up to the age of 18.
This initiative marks a departure from the previous requirement for consumers to purchase these essentials for Re 1 per kilogram, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring the nutritional needs of its citizens are met without financial burden. The newly introduced Mukhya Mantri Dal Vitran Yojana and Mukhya Mantri Namak Vitran Yojana are set to provide a kilogram of gram pulses and refined iodized salt, respectively, to eligible families each month at no cost.
In addition to these nutritional support measures, the cabinet has decided to increase the commission for fair price dealers from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per quintal. This decision comes as a response to the appeals of over 25,000 fair price dealers across the state, aiming to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the public distribution system.
The cabinet session was productive, with 40 agendas cleared, including the Jharkhand Food and Feed Processing Industrial Policy 2024, which seeks to bolster the state’s position in the food processing sector. The government also plans to enhance healthcare infrastructure by establishing 10-bed ICU wards and Tele-ICU enabled critical care units through a partnership with e-Governments Foundation, Bengaluru.
In the realm of education and social welfare, 44 residential schools will transition to NGO management, aiming for improved operational efficiency and quality of education. Furthermore, the establishment of Unity Mall in Ranchi, supported by both central and state funds, will offer a new venue for showcasing the handicrafts of Jharkhand, promoting local artisans and cultural heritage.
These comprehensive measures reflect the Jharkhand government’s multifaceted approach to development, addressing the immediate needs of its population while laying the groundwork for long-term economic and social progress.