How Did 'Chawal Utsav' Ensure Timely Rice Distribution in Jashpur?

Jashpur, June 10 (NationPress) Beneficiaries in Jashpur district have shown their appreciation as the Chhattisgarh government’s 'Chawal Utsav' (Rice Festival) effectively guarantees early rice distribution under the state's food security program. This event, which took place from June 1 to June 7, is designed to ensure uninterrupted access to vital food resources ahead of the monsoon rains.

Through this initiative, families with ration cards are receiving their rice supply for June, July, and August 2025 all at once. This forward-thinking distribution is being executed under the Chhattisgarh Food and Nutrition Security Act to assist residents, particularly those in remote and rural areas, in avoiding disruptions caused by seasonal issues like flooding and inadequate road access.

Nagar Panchayat Vice President Dinesh Sharma underscored the success of the campaign, stating: “Advance rice allocation has been made to all fair price shops across Jashpur and neighboring districts. Storage operations are being expedited to avert any supply chain complications. We are upholding transparency at every level with the engagement of shop-level monitoring committees, ensuring that rice is distributed in an organized and fair manner.”

Sharma further stressed the significance of prompt distribution in tribal and forest regions, adding: “Receiving three months’ worth of rice at once spares beneficiaries the challenges they usually encounter during the rainy season.”

Residents, speaking to IANS, have also welcomed the initiative.

Beneficiary Jagan Sai expressed his appreciation: “We are delighted to receive rice for three months. I want to extend my thanks to PM Modi for this.”

Another local, Hariram, shared similar sentiments, stating: “I am very grateful that I am receiving rice for free. It will certainly aid us during the monsoon. I thank the Central government.”

The Chhattisgarh government, through its Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, is anticipated to distribute rice to over 81 lakh families across the state during this week-long festival. To ensure smooth distribution, 13,928 fair price shops have been stocked in advance.

Understanding the challenges posed by the monsoon, authorities have implemented special measures for 249 fair price shops that become inaccessible during heavy rains. These shops will receive additional stock by June to ensure continuous distribution.

To promote accountability and transparency, each beneficiary must verify their identity using biometric e-PoS (electronic Point of Sale) systems. Printed receipts are provided to each recipient. Moreover, all shops are required to publicly display distribution schedules and relevant information.

District collectors have been instructed to conduct awareness campaigns to ensure all eligible families benefit from this program. Local committees are overseeing the entire operation to maintain transparency and facilitate efficient service delivery.