Nagaland launches GHH Scheme; 121238 beneficiaries identified

Dimapur, October 14 (MExN): The Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Nagaland, launched the General Household (GHH) Scheme at the Directorate of Food and Civil Supplies, Dimapur on October 14. The scheme extends food grain support to eligible households not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, protecting them against food inflation and seasonal grain shortages, stated a DIPR report. Launching the scheme, Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies KT Sukhalu (IAS Retd) said it addresses the shortfall in food grain allocation after NFSA implementation and extends food security support to households excluded from the existing PDS.He said it is open to all eligible Indian citizens, including indigenous and non-indigenous residents who meet the prescribed criteria. He said 1,21,238 beneficiaries were identified in the first phase, with the number expected to rise as implementation progresses.On the Centre’s Tide Over Rice allocation, he said the provision has existed since 2017 to meet additional food grain needs. Under it, the state appoints stockists who lift food grains from FCI at their own expense, subject to government regulations.He said the department often receives requests for rice during festivals, jubilees and celebrations, and from old-age homes, destitute persons and social organisations. Assistance has also been extended in cases such as fire incidents, based on requests from district administrations and with approval from the competent authority.Sukhalu clarified that the Tide Over allocation is not a free distribution scheme, and that food grains provided for relief are purchased through the concerned agencies, including disaster management authorities where applicable.He said the department has completed the groundwork to streamline distribution and address confusion over the allocation mechanism, and hoped the GHH Scheme would dispel misconceptions and promote greater transparency in food grain distribution.Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies Wonchio Odyuo, NCS, said the GHH Scheme is being implemented under the State Government's guidelines for the Tide Over allocation of the National Food Security Act, 2013.Eligible households must have an annual income of Rs 2.5 lakh or above and be indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland or bona fide Indian citizens. Non-indigenous residents must submit a self-declaration certificate. Applicants must not hold active AAY, PHH, or other PDS ration cards, per the one-card policy.The eldest female member aged 18 or above will be Head of Family (HoF) for the ration card; in her absence, the eldest male member will be HoF. Enrolment is Aadhaar-based. Each beneficiary will receive 5 kg of rice per month at a subsidised rate on payment, distributed through verified Fair Price Shops in urban and rural areas, with monitoring by district administrations.Odyuo said effective implementation is expected to improve food grain access for identified General Household beneficiaries, strengthen last-mile delivery through FPSs and local institutions, and promote transparency in allocation and distribution. It will also enhance coordination among the Directorate, district administrations, Village Councils, and FPS dealers while establishing reliable monitoring and reporting.So far, 26,982 GHH ration cards have been generated, covering 1,19,401 units, with a total food grain allocation of 5,97,455 kg.