Bharat Rice, the staple food for millions in India, has seen its price rise dramatically in recent months. To alleviate this pressure on households, the Indian government launched the Bharat Rice program in February 2024. This initiative aims to provide affordable rice to millions across the country. Let’s delve deeper into the program’s details, its impact, and potential implications.
Program Overview
- Objective: Sell rice at a subsidized rate of ₹29 per kilogram.
- Target Beneficiaries: The program initially targeted Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households (poorest among BPL category) and Priority Households (identified by state governments). Later, it was expanded to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
- Implementation: Rice is distributed through existing Public Distribution System (PDS) network of fair price shops.
- Funding: The program is funded by the central government budget.
What is the Bharat Rice?
Bharat Rice is a government-subsidized initiative that aims to provide affordable rice to eligible beneficiaries. The program offers rice at a discounted rate of ₹29 per kilogram, significantly lower than the prevailing market price. This price reduction brings much-needed relief to low-income families and individuals struggling with rising food costs.
Who is eligible for Bharat Rice?
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households: These are the poorest of the poor families identified under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- Priority households: These families fall below the poverty line but are not included in AAY.
- Families with pregnant or lactating women and children: Recognizing the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups, the program extends benefits to these families.
Impact and Benefits
- Provide immediate relief: The subsidized rice price significantly reduces the food budget burden for eligible families.
- Improve food security: Access to affordable rice ensures basic nutritional needs are met, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Boost consumption: Lower rice prices can potentially increase overall rice consumption, aiding the agricultural sector.
How does Bharat Rice work?
Eligible beneficiaries can access subsidized rice through designated fair price shops (FPS) across the country. They will be required to present their ration cards and other necessary documents to avail the benefit. The program aims to ensure smooth distribution and efficient targeting of beneficiaries.
Challenges
- Efficient implementation: Ensuring smooth distribution and preventing leakages or black market operations requires robust monitoring and accountability.
- Fiscal burden: The program’s long-term sustainability depends on careful management of its financial resources.
- Targeting: Reaching all eligible beneficiaries and ensuring transparency in program access are crucial considerations.
How to order Bharat rice?
Offline:
- Fair Price Shops (FPS): Most commonly, individuals eligible for the Bharat Rice program (BPL and AAY beneficiaries) can directly purchase it from government-authorized Fair Price Shops (FPS) in their locality.
- Government outlets: Check if Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, or NCCF outlets are present in your city. These cooperatives sometimes sell Bharat rice directly as well.
Online:
- E-commerce platforms: While not official yet, there are plans to make Bharat rice available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart, and JioMart. Keep an eye on these websites for future updates.
- Mobile apps: Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF have their own mobile apps where they might start selling Bharat rice in the future.
Unfortunately, you cannot directly order Bharat rice online or through any specific platform. The program operates through government-authorized fair price shops (FPS), which distribute the rice to eligible beneficiaries.
Ordering Process
- Locate your nearest FPS: You can find a list of FPS shops on the official website of your state’s Department of Food & Civil Supplies. Look for the “Fair Price Shop List” section.
- Visit the FPS with your ration card: Your ration card serves as proof of eligibility.
- Inform the shop staff about your desire to purchase Bharat rice.
- Show your ID and ration card for verification.
- Collect your allocated quantity of Bharat rice
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