NASHIK: More than one crore people have benefited from the free ‘Shivbhojan Thali’ scheme for the poor and needy in the state. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, 1,07,59,090 free plates have been distributed from April 15 onward to June 28, 2021. The period of this scheme has been already extended up to July 14, 2021.
Such government order has been issued by the Department of Food and Civil Supplies on June 17. So far total 4,86,95,687 plates have been distributed under Shiv Bhojan Yojana in the state. So far 1,332 Shivbhojan Kendras have been sanctioned in the state of which 1,068 Shivbhojan Kendras presently working in the state and the rest of the centers will start soon, the release added.
It may noted that under the welfare scheme, the government is providing free meals to the poor considering the economic hardships faced by the commoners in the COVID times. The state government has already increased the daily procurement of dishes at Shivbhojan Kendras, which are currently operating on the backdrop of unlock process.
District Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal had clarified that the Shivbhojan Kendras which were distributing 100 thalis a day are now distributing 150. Shivbhojan Thali Yojana has been extended to the taluka level from April due to the plight of hardworking, unorganised workers, migrants, outstation students, homeless people on the streets etc. The number of Shivbhojan plates distributed in each district has been increased five times. The government is giving a subsidy of Rs 45 per plate for urban areas and Rs 30 per plate for rural areas.
