The Centre on Sunday asked the state governments to keep ration shops open for a longer duration on all days to ensure the timely and safe distribution of both subsidized and free food grains to the poor.
The Centre’s order came after some states/UTs, curtailed timings of the ration shop due to Covid-19 restriction.
“In view of ongoing lockdown in some States/UTs, that may curtail the functioning hours of Fair Price Shop (FPS), an advisory has been issued on 15th May 2021…to keep the FPSs open, preferably on all days of the month,” Union Food Ministry said in a statement.
In the advisory, the Centre has asked states to keep the ration shops open for distribution of foodgrains under the NFSA as well as PMGKAY scheme in a staggered manner throughout the day, maintaining proper social distancing and adhering to all COVID-19 protocols, it said.