DIMAPUR: Department of Food and Civil Supplies launched the General Household (GHH) Scheme at the Directorate office, Dimapur, on October 14, 2026, with the aim of extending food grain support to households not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
According to DIPR report, the scheme was inaugurated by advisor, Food & Civil Supplies, K. T. Sukhalu. Addressing the programme, Sukhalu said the initiative was introduced to address shortfalls in food grain allocation following the implementation of NFSA and to ensure food security support for households excluded from the Public Distribution System (PDS). He informed that 1,21,238 beneficiaries had been identified in the first phase, with numbers expected to rise as implementation progresses.
Clarifying the functioning of the Centre’s Tide Over Rice allocation, Sukhalu explained that the provision, in place since 2017, was meant to meet additional food grain requirements. Under the system, state appointed stockists lift food grains from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) at their own expense, subject to government regulations. He noted that requests for rice are often received during festivals, jubilees, and from old age homes, destitute persons and social organisations, with assistance extended in certain cases such as fire incidents. However, he clarified that Tide Over allocation was not a free distribution scheme, as food grains provided for relief purposes were purchased through concerned agencies, including disaster management authorities.
Sukhalu emphasised the need for a regulated system and expressed hope that the GHH Scheme would dispel misconceptions and promote transparency in food grain distribution.
In his introductory remarks, secretary, Food & Civil Supplies, Wonchio Odyuo, said the scheme was being implemented under State Government guidelines in line with NFSA’s Tide Over allocation. He informed that eligible households must have an annual income of Rs.2.5 lakh or above and comprise indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland or bona fide citizens of India. Non indigenous residents are required to submit a self declaration certificate.
Applicants must not possess active Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), Priority Household (PHH) or other PDS ration cards, in keeping with the one card policy. Under the scheme, the eldest female member of the household aged 18 years or above will be designated as Head of Family (HoF) for the ration card; in her absence, the eldest male member will be designated. Enrolment will be Aadhaar based. Each eligible beneficiary will be entitled to five kilograms of rice per month at a subsidised rate on payment basis. Distribution will be carried out through verified Fair Price Shops (FPS) in both urban and rural areas, monitored by district administrations.
Odyuo said effective implementation would improve access to food grains for identified beneficiaries, strengthen last mile delivery, and promote transparency in allocation and distribution. Sharing implementation status, he informed that 26,982 GHH ration cards had been generated so far, covering 1,19,401 units, with a total food grain allocation of 5,97,455 kilograms. He said the launch marked an important step towards strengthening food security and improving public service delivery in Nagaland.
The programme was chaired by director, Food & Civil Supplies, Warren Holohón Yepthomi, and attended by departmental officials and staff.
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