The Khadya Sathi Scheme was initiated to be implemented in the state of West Bengal as a flagship social welfare program. This is an initiative to provide food security to every eligible citizen in the state. Food is one of the basic necessities required by everyone in society.But for the millions of poor people in the state, the prices of essential items have made life a big challenge for survival.In this direction, the government had undertaken the Khadya Sathi Scheme to make available rice and wheat at much cheaper prices.
It should be noted that since the start of the program, it has been serving the purpose of resolving the issues related to hunger, malnutrition, and weaker economic classes of the population.Needless to say, today the program is serving a large portion of the West Bengal population, making it one of the most successfully operating such programs in India.
What Is the Khadya Sathi Scheme? খাদ্য সাথী প্রকল্প
Khadya Sathi scheme was launched in West Bengal in the year 2016, under the leadership of the Chief Minister of the state, Mrs. Mamata Banerjee.The main objective of this scheme was to improve the existing PDS system and provide food grains to the people at minimum cost.
Under this scheme, food security benefits that are needed on a monthly basis by all eligible applicants are made available to them at much lower rates compared to the market rates. The scheme works according to the National Food Security Act, and provisions are made according to the state government.
Main Objectives of the Khadya Sathi Scheme
The chief objective behind Khadya Sathi Scheme is to ensure food security for the inhabitants of West Bengal.The major objective of this government is to make sure that no person sleeps with an empty stomach due to lack of funds. By providing a subsidized rate on food grains, the scheme has relieved people of the expense of daily expenditures.
Another critical goal here is that this tries to introduce social equity by making basic nutrition available to all who are eligible to get it.The system also aims at efficiency and transparency with regard to food distribution through digitization, smart ration cards, and online monitoring systems.
Key Features of the Khadya Sathi Scheme
One of the biggest advantages of the Khadya Sathi Scheme is that it is affordable. The poor get rice at the rate of ₹2 per kilogram of rice, and wheat is available at the rate of ₹3 per kilogram of wheat, which is much lower compared to the market rates. The poor get 5 kilograms of food grains every month.
The plan also entails digital ration cards and Aadhaar integration to eliminate duplicate entries and frauds. The doorstep delivery system for food grains to Fair Price Shops further enhances efficiency and minimizes losses during transportation.
Eligibility Criteria for Khadya Sathi Scheme
The only requirement for the applicants is that they should be permanent residents of the state of West Bengal, and also belong to the economically weaker sections of society. Families of government employees, income taxpayers, and owners of large properties are generally exempted from the scheme.
Documents Required for Khadya Sathi Scheme
Required to be submitted with application are essential documents to establish identity, residence, and economic position. Generally, these documents are Aadhaar card, voter ID, residence proof, and passport-size photographs of family members.
Income-related documents may also be requested to establish eligibility. Encouragement is given to link the Aadhaar for transparency and efficiency in the system. Correct documents ensure efficient processing without failure to deliver or delay in approval.
How to Apply for the Khadya Sathi Scheme
The citizens have the option to apply both online as well as offline, as per their convenience. To apply for the Khadya Sathi Scheme through an online application, a citizen needs to visit the website of Food and Supplies Department of West Bengal Govt. There, the citizen needs to fill out the application form.
Applications can be submitted offline at the nearest ration office or Fair Price Shop. After this, the application would be verified at a local level. After verification, a ration card would be issued, and benefits can be availed through this scheme.
Benefits of the Khadya Sathi Scheme
There are a number of benefits for the people and the society at large regarding the Khadya Sathi Scheme. The first and the foremost is the facility of affordable food, which helps to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. For the people in the lower-income group, it reduces expenses to a great extent for the entire household in the month.
The scheme will have a quality of life because it will help families buy various necessities, such as education and healthcare, with the saved amount.It will have a positive effect on women, children, and the old age group, who are more vulnerable to the effects of hunger.
Khadya Sathi Scheme How the poor of West Bengal benefited from it
Currently, the food security initiative covers over 90 percent of the total population of West Bengal, thus making it the most extensive food security initiative in India.
The program has helped reduce poverty-related hunger issues in rural and backward areas. The usage of digitization and monitoring has reduced corruption. This scheme has been recognized at the national and international levels.
Challenges and Future Scope
Though these have proved to be highly successful, there are some problems related to the implementation of the Khadya Sathi Scheme. In some cases, food distribution is delayed, while technically, there are problems with online systems, as well as Aadhaar verification.
Issues like this call for continuous improvement in infrastructure and redressal of grievances.In the days to come, it may include more nutritious food items and increasing the strength of digital platforms by the government.The Khadya Sathi scheme has the potential to offer long-term food security with social stability if planned and executed accordingly.
The Khadya Sathi Scheme is a sample of how government schemes influence our lives.The Scheme has provided food grains to millions of people at affordable prices. It has addressed one of the biggest problems in India: hunger. The Scheme has improved economic conditions and diet in West Bengal.
While the focus of the Khadya Sathi Scheme is on inclusiveness, transparency, and sustainability, it remains the cornerstones of social welfare in the state. Over the years, the ever-changing face of the Khadya Sathi Scheme works toward the commitment of the government to provide food security to every citizen.