Ambala
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Karan Dev Kamboj today launched the fortified flour scheme for the Barara and Naraingarh segments.

The minister distributed flour bags to seven beneficiaries during the launch of the scheme at the Barara grain market.

The minister said children and women belonging to the weaker sections face various health-related issues due to anaemia and deficiency of other vitamins. Instead of supplying wheat to ration depots, the government has decided to distribute fortified flour loaded with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 to tackle anaemia and provide nutrition.

After its success, the pilot project will be implemented in two districts and thereafter in the entire state. The supply of the flour will be ensured through HAFED.

The minister said in the first phase, fortified flour would be provided to 1,55,150 consumers through 79 ration depots.

“Haryana is the first state in the country which has become kerosene-free. Poor people have been given free gas connections under the Prime Minister Ujjwala scheme. To prevent corruption, the public distribution system has been linked with Aadhar and the ration is being distributed through biometric machines. By adopting this system, 28 lakh fake beneficiaries have been identified in the state and 15,000 metric tonnes of foodgrains have been saved per month. The government has been saving Rs 300 crore per year by adopting this system,” the minister added.