The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has issued 3.29 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of rice valued at Rs 1223 crore to the Jharkhand Government free of cost under Pradhan Manatri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme till May 18 against allotted 3.96 LMT till June. During the same period 3.04 LMT of food grains has also been issued under National Food Safety Act (NFSA).

The Government of India in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic has been providing 6.49 LMT food grains to the State Government free of cost under the NFSA, PMGKAY, OMSS (D) and other welfare schemes to the poor people having valid ration cards which is double to regular supply to the State Government.

Apart from it to provide foodgrains to migrant labourers and weaker section FCI is encouraging non-governmental organisation and charitable trusts to buy foodgrains at Rs 21to Rs 22 through which the foodgrains supply could be ensured for that section. In order to ensure it the charitable trusts and non-governmental organisations have received 73 LMT so far. FCI provided 5,990 MT rice under OMSS (D) at Rs 22.50 for those people who are not under NFSA and at the same time with the help of Magistrates 1131 MT Wheat supplied from Roller Floor Mills.

Paddy procurement has been ensured for registered farmers through e-uparjan software under transparent way. FCI has purchased 1059555 MT paddy from Districts of Palamu, Chatra and Gadhawa during Kharrif Marketing Season (KMS) of 2019-20 which is one and half multiple more that of KMS 2018-19. At the same time the State Government's agencies have purchased paddy 2.74 LMT during KMC 2019-20. FCI is saving around Rs 50 crore in paddy procurement by saving in transport fee and others.     

Consumer Affairs, Foods and Public Distribution Department Government of India decided to sale wheat to small traders through OMSS (D) from nominated depot of Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State Government's agencies from 1 to 9 tonne per person, without participation at  e-auction.

A total quantity of foodgrains supplied by FCI, Jharkhand Region to State Government during the lockdown period for distribution under various scheme is about 19.68 till May 19.

During this pandemic period, Central Government, FCI and Jharkhand Government are closely working together to ensure uninterrupted supply of food grains to the vulnerable group.