In view of the crucial 2022 assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party government is likely to distribute double ration, free of cost, to the people across the state and provide 10 kg of wheat and 2 kg of dal per month till March next.

The decision was taken in the BJP’s core group meeting which was also attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

A senior BJP leader said that the state government was likely to give free double ration from December to March 2022.

"About 15 crore people will get this benefit in Uttar pradesh. The eligible beneficiaries will get 10 kg free ration in one unit every month, edible oil, salt, and pulses will also be given free,” he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi had extended the Pradhan Manti Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), a scheme that provides free ration to the lower income group families till March. The UP government had earlier announced to give 5 kg of rice or wheat per person and 1 kg of dal per household.

Besides, the Yogi government will also provide one litre of edible oil, one kg of salt and sugar per household for another period of three months (December to March) so that the basic kitchen needs are addressed.

With the new announcement, the beneficiaries will now get double the ration.

The free ration scheme was launched by the BJP-led Central government in March, 2020, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the livelihoods of thousands of people and rendered them financially distressed.