Dimapur: Nagaland’s Department of Food and Civil Supplies on Wednesday launched the General Household Scheme (GHH) to provide food grain assistance to eligible households that are not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
The scheme was formally inaugurated by KT Sukhalu, adviser to the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, at the directorate’s office in Kohima.
Speaking at the launch, Sukhalu said the initiative was designed to address the gap in food grain allocation following the implementation of the NFSA and extend food security support to households excluded from the existing Public Distribution System (PDS).
He clarified that the scheme would be open to all Indian citizens who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, including both indigenous inhabitants and non-indigenous residents.
According to Sukhalu, 1,21,238 beneficiaries have been identified in the first phase of implementation, with the number expected to rise as the scheme expands.
Clarification on tide-over rice allocation
Sukhalu also explained the functioning of the Centre’s tide-over rice allocation, which has been in place since 2017 to meet additional food grain requirements.
Under this arrangement, the state government appoints stockists who procure food grains from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) at their own expense, subject to the prescribed government regulations.
He said the department regularly receives requests for rice supplies during festivals, jubilees and other celebrations. Requests also come from old-age homes, destitute individuals and various social organisations.
The department has additionally facilitated food grain assistance in specific emergency situations, including fire incidents, based on requests from district administrations and approval from the competent authority.
However, Sukhalu clarified that the tide-over allocation was not a free distribution scheme. Food grains supplied for relief purposes were procured through the relevant agencies, including disaster management authorities where applicable.
The launch of the General Household Scheme is intended to extend food security assistance to eligible families outside the existing NFSA coverage, while the department’s clarification seeks to distinguish the scheme from other food grain allocation arrangements.