Nagaland Rolls Out Subsidised Rice Scheme for Excluded Households

Kohima: The Nagaland government launched the General Household scheme on October 14. This program provides subsidised rice to households missing from the National Food Security Act of 2013. Officials identified 1,21,238 beneficiaries for the first phase. K T Sukhalu, the Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, started the rollout in Dimapur.

Sukhalu noted the scheme addresses grain shortfalls. He expects the beneficiary count to grow as the project expands. "The scheme is intended to address the shortfall in food grain allocation following the implementation of the NFSA and extend food security support to eligible households not covered under the existing Public Distribution System," he said.

Eligibility requires an annual income of at least 2.5 lakh rupees. Applicants must be indigenous inhabitants or bona fide Indian citizens. Non-indigenous residents need a self-declaration certificate. Households must not hold existing ration cards like Antyodaya Anna Yojana or Priority Household. The system mandates the eldest female member as the Head of Family. Aadhaar-based enrolment is required for the five kilogrammes of monthly rice available through Fair Price Shops.

Secretary Wonchio Odyuo confirmed that 26,982 ration cards exist. These cards cover 1,19,401 units. The total food grain allocation sits at 5,97,455 kilograms. District administrations will oversee all distribution to ensure transparency. The state also continues the 2017 Tide Over Rice allocation mechanism. This process allows state-appointed stockists to lift grains from the Food Corporation of India. These grains are not free. They support festivals, old-age homes, and emergency relief situations.