Forward of polls, FCI plans to ship foodgrains in luggage with PM Modi’s photograph

Underneath the PMGKAY, free foodgrains are to be offered to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Precedence Households (PHH). Photograph: Particular Association

Within the run-up to the 2024 basic election anticipated to be held between April and Could, the Central authorities is making certain that the model of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is displayed conspicuously on foodgrain luggage to be distributed underneath the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

Underneath the PMGKAY, free foodgrains are to be offered to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Precedence Households (PHH). The Central authorities has claimed that throughout the implementation of the PMGKAY in monetary years 2020-21 and 2021-22, greater than 75 crore beneficiaries have acquired foodgrains.

In a round dated January 12, 2024, the Meals Company of India (FCI) wrote to all its 26 regional places of work asking them to drift tenders for procuring woven laminated luggage with an indicative brand of Mr. Modi, with the intention to distribute foodgrains underneath PMGKAY. 

In Rajasthan alone, artificial luggage costing ₹13.29 crores have been ordered. In accordance with a Proper to Data (RTI) reply offered to activist Ajay Bose by the FCI’s storage part within the regional workplace of Jaipur, Rajasthan has given a provide order of 1.07 crore artificial luggage at the price of ₹12.375 per bag. 

The Central authorities has ensured that the model of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is displayed conspicuously on foodgrain luggage to be distributed underneath the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. 
| Photograph Credit score:
Particular Association

Tenders in Rajasthan have been awarded to 5 corporations — Rajasthan-based Salasar Technotex Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan Versatile Packaging Ltd, Alliance Polysacks Pvt Ltd and Gujarat-based Mor Techfab Pvt Ltd and Gujarat Blast Industries. 

Whereas Rajasthan has awarded the contract at ₹12.375 per bag, Nagaland has awarded the contract to just one firm — Rajasthan Versatile Packaging at ₹9.30 per bag, acknowledged the FCI’s regional workplace in Dimapur, within the RTI reply. The reply additionally acknowledged that Nagaland had ordered a amount of 329 bales, with out elaborating on the variety of luggage contained in every bale. 

“Through the free grain distribution underneath PMGKAY that began in 2020 when the pandemic started, unbranded 50 kg jute sacks have been used to disburse grain. The branding of baggage with faces of political figures has begun in 2024, forward of the election,” mentioned an official within the Ministry of Shopper Affairs, Meals and Public Distribution.

Additionally, the Ministry official added that Kerala might draw back from putting orders for baggage with the branding.

Whereas Rajasthan and Nagaland have issued provide orders, the FCI regional workplace in Maharashtra acknowledged in its RTI reply, “The tender continues to be underneath course of within the Maharashtra area and has not but been finalised.” The FCI’s regional workplace in Delhi too mentioned that the method is but to be full.

Tamil Nadu has floated a young for the provision of 1.14 crore luggage. 

The FCI’s regional workplace in Tamil Nadu replied to the RTI question stating, “The tender bearing No. GEM/2024/B/4481689 for 10 kg woven-laminated ration luggage was floated on January 13, 2024 and the identical is underneath course of. The work order is but to be issued.”

The annual meals subsidy borne by the Central authorities in the direction of distribution of meals grains to AAY households and PHH beneficiaries is ₹2.13 lakh crore.