ગુજરાતી
English
Ahmedabad: In the currently prevalent 21-day long nation-wide ‘Lockdown’ situation being observed as a precautionary measure to fight against the pandemic of COVID-19, as announced by Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani, Gujarat Government has commenced the announced distribution of foodgrains & essential commodities at a free of cost to the holders of Antyodaya and P.H.H. Ration Card in Gujarat from April one, today. This was announced to the media persons by Mr. Ashwini Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister.
Giving further details in this reference, he said that necessary required quotas of wheat, sugar and rice have been sent to 17,000 Government approved rationing shops across the state. In addition to these, 72% quota of salt and 82% quota of ‘Chana Dal’ (chickpeas) have also arrived for distribution. In total nearly 66-lakh families would receive essential foodgrains through public distribution system in Gujarat.
Mr. Ashwini Kumar further stated the Chief Minister has specifically instructed to owners of these government approved rationing shops and the food and civil supply department to maintain social distancing while distributing the foodgrains and to ensure prevention of crowding.
Beside these, the Chief Minister has inspired the government administration to provide two times meals per day to the homeless, aged people, those living in isolation and destitutes in Gujarat. In this reference, so far, 2235,755 food packets were distributed by the local governing bodies in coordination with the NOGs and social servicing institutions, he added.
In the current lockdown situation, the emergency helpline services engaged in providing medical facilities, foods, and other essential assistance had received total 11,595 assistance calls, so far, in Gujarat. Of them, state helpline number 1070 and district level helpline number 1077 had received 2253 calls and 9342 calls, respectively; the state government had extended all possible helps in all these calls.
On Wednesday, 46.17 lakh litre of milk was distributed in Gujarat; and 104,333 quintals of vegetables and 16562 quintals of fruits had arrived in the state, he said and added at present quotas of 25,311 quintals of potatoes, 29,700 quintals of onions, 8,005 quintals of tomatoes, and 41,315 other green vegetables were available in Gujarat. For the citizens who are observing fasting during the Chaitri Navratri enough quantity of fruits has arrived in the state. These fruits included 489 quintals of apples, 902 quintals of bananas and 16,562 quintals of other fruits, Mr. Ashwini Kumar added.
The press conference was also attended by Mr. Mohammed Shahid, secretary, food & civil supply, and Mr. Tushar Dholakiya, Executive Managing Director, food & civil supply corporation.
