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To streamline food grain distribution, UP to construct 75-100 Annapurna Bhawans in each district

To streamline food grain distribution, UP to construct 75-100 Annapurna Bhawans in each district

Time of India03-06-2025
Lucknow: In a bid to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) and enhancing the accessibility of food grains through ration shops, the UP cabinet on Tuesday announced the construction of ration shops/Annapurna Bhawan using alternate financial means.
Besides Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), these buildings will be constructed under various central and state govt schemes such as Sansad Nidhi, Vidhayak Nidhi, Tourism Development Funds, and Bundelkhand Vikas Nidhi, or through any other govt-approved scheme.
The construction aims to ensure the smooth and permanent availability of food grains to eligible cardholders.
In areas where such funding schemes are unavailable, arrangements will be made through the department of food and civil supplies by utilizing departmental savings.
The govt has planned an annual construction of 75 to 100 Annapurna Bhawan across each district, depending on local needs and feasibility. Along with construction a provision has been made for the maintenance and upkeep of these buildings to ensure their long-term utility.
This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the PDS, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions, by providing permanent structures for ration distribution.
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