Nagaland launches the General Household Scheme to provide five kilograms of subsidised rice monthly to eligible households outside existing NFSA coverage
1.21 lakh beneficiaries identified in first phase; five kg per month at subsidised rate
DIMAPUR — More than 1.2 lakh people have been identified for subsidised rice under a new Nagaland government scheme aimed at households left out of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, as the state seeks to plug gaps in its public distribution system.
The General Household (GHH) Scheme was launched by Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies KT Sukhalu at the department's directorate in Dimapur on Wednesday. The first phase has identified 1,21,238 beneficiaries, according to a DIPR update.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive five kg of rice a month at a subsidised price through verified Fair Price Shops in urban and rural areas.
Secretary for Food and Civil Supplies Wonchio Odyuo said that 26,982 GHH ration cards had been generated so far, covering 1,19,401 units, against a total foodgrain allocation of 5,97,455 kg, according to a district-wise statement.
The scheme is intended for eligible households that do not hold active Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Priority Household or other public distribution system ration cards, in keeping with the one-card policy.
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Enrolment will be Aadhaar-based, with the eldest female member aged 18 or above designated as the head of the household. In the absence of a female member, the eldest male member will be designated.
The department stated that the scheme was introduced to address shortfalls in foodgrain allocation after the implementation of the NFSA and extend support to households outside its existing coverage.
Sukhalu shared that the scheme was open to eligible Indian citizens, including indigenous inhabitants and non-indigenous residents who meet the prescribed criteria.
The eligibility guidelines cited by the department include an annual household income threshold of INR 2.5 lakh. The direction of the threshold — whether households must earn at least that amount or fall below it — requires confirmation from the department before publication. Non-indigenous residents have been asked to submit a self-declaration certificate.
Sukhalu also sought to distinguish the new scheme from the Centre's Tide Over Rice allocation, which he said had been in place since 2017 to meet additional foodgrain requirements. Under that arrangement, stockists lift rice from the Food Corporation of India at their own expense, subject to government regulations.
He explained that requests for rice often came from organisations holding festivals and jubilees, old-age homes, destitute people and social organisations.
Assistance had also been extended in some cases following fire incidents, based on requests from district administrations and approval by the competent authority.
But such allocations, he clarified, did not constitute free distribution. Rice supplied for relief purposes was purchased through the agencies concerned, including disaster management authorities wherever applicable.
The department added that the GHH Scheme was expected to improve last-mile delivery through Fair Price Shops and local institutions, with district administrations, village councils and dealers involved in monitoring and reporting.