TAD NewsDesk, West Bengal: West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee launched the meal distribution scheme called ‘Maa’ which will aid the poor people by providing food at a very nominal cost of Rs 5. The scheme had been launched before the onset of Assembly elections in the state.
The meal will be wholesome and would consist of a plate of rice, dal, a potato and egg curry.
According to the statement, the government is going to bear a Rs 15 subsidy (per plate) while consumers are going to get it at Rs 5.
CM Banerjee said that the kitchens will function with the help of self-help groups from 1 pm to 3 pm every day and such kitchens will eventually be set up everywhere in the state, the chief minister said.
She also added that
“On a first-come-first-serve basis, people will get the food. This is a novel concept. We revealed this scheme in the budget and managed to introduce it within eight days.”
The CM also expressed gratitude to the officials who made this happen in such a short period of time.
This is starting on an experimental basis. The government has provided Rs 1000 crore for the scheme.
On the first day, Maa kitchens began functioning in a few locations in Kolkata and districts such as Malda, Howrah, Paschim Medinipur and Dakshin Dinajpur. In September last year, the ruling Trinamool Congress initiated a similar project in the state named ‘Didir Rannaghar’ to provide migrants with meals at Rs 5.
The assembly election is due in the month of April and May. The scheme will be a benefit to a large section of poor people in the province claims the government.
Source: Krishi Jagran
