The government on Friday approved the distribution of fortified rice in government schemes such as the public distribution system, and nutrition services for school children and Anganwadi beneficiaries.
The Center will bear the entire cost of the Rs 2,700 crore scheme till it is fully implemented by June 2024.
This initiative will be implemented in three phases. In the first phase, Anganwadi centers will be covered under Integrated Child Development Services and PM Poshan (or formerly mid-day meals). A government statement said it was to be achieved by March 2022, but is still being implemented.
In the second phase, targeted public distribution system and other welfare schemes will be covered in all 291 aspirational districts as well as districts with high burden of stunting by March 2023. In the final phase, the remaining districts of the country will be covered by March 2024.
Last year, during his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the rice provided under every government program by 2024 would be strengthened to fight malnutrition.
Food Corporation of India and state agencies are engaged in procurement of fortified rice and so far around 88.65 LMT. [lakh metric tonnes] According to a government press statement, fortified rice has been procured.
A pilot for distribution of fortified rice through PDS was implemented in 11 states for a period of three years from 2019-2020.