Assam government to provide free rice to stranded labourers and needy people

The State government will provide 5 kg rice per person free of cost to the stranded labourers within the State
Assam government to provide free rice to stranded labourers and needy people

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State government will provide 5 kg rice per person free of cost to the stranded labourers within the State and also the needy people who are not having the NFSA (National Food Security Act) cards. The decision has been taken as a relief measure for these people who are not having livelihood during the lockdown phases. The Revenue & Disaster Management Department is preparing the detailed proposal following the nod of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Approximately Rs 24 crore would be required to carry out this relief operation, informed sources.

The funds will be released to the DCs (Deputy Commissioners), who will prepare the lists of beneficiaries. The NFSA guidelines stipulate that the DCs will have to follow the transparency norm, and procure rice from the FCI (Food Corporation of India) only at the already fixed rate of Rs 22.50 per kg.

At present, approximately 68 lakh households have NFSA cards in Assam. Presently, these beneficiaries are getting 10 kg rice and 1 kg pulses free of cost during the lockdown period.

Isolate nations that support terrorism: Venkaiah Naidu

NEW DELHI, May 21: On 'Anti-Terrorism Day' on Thursday, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said that terrorism is the enemy of humanity and the biggest threat to global peace, appealing to all countries to come together to isolate nations that support and abet terrorism in any form.

"Fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of security forces alone. It is the duty of every citizen to fight this evil. All Indians must always remain united to defeat the scourge of terrorism," he said.

He paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the motherland from the evil of terrorism.

The most affected Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir also commemorated Anti-Terrorism Day. Director General of Police Dilbag Singh led officers and jawans in taking 'Anti-Terrorism Day pledge' across the Valley. Simple functions were organised in view of Covid protocols, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a statement.

The Anti-terrorism Day is observed in India on May 21, which is also the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Rajiv Gandhi. (IANS) 

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