NASHIK :
In the wake of the spread of novel coronavirus pandemic and subsequent preventive measures being adopted on war footing by government machineries, the state food and civil supplies and consumer protection minister Chhagan Bhujbal yesterday announced some sops for the poor, homeless, labourers, outstation students and migrant workers while implementing Shiv bhojan scheme in the state.
In the larger interest of aggrieved farmers, migrating labours, especially construction workers, the homeless and outstation students, the popular food dish of the state, Shiva Bhojan will now cost Rs 5/thali from Rs 10 earlier price. The government it will serve as many as 1 lakh Shiv Bhojan thalis on a daily basis throughout the state from today itself, appraised guardian minister Chhagan Bhujbal.
The Shiv Bhojan centres will operate between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily to serve targeted one lakh dishes at the cost of Rs 5 per dish. The price exemption will be applicable for a period of 3 months only, the minister clarified during his Facebook chat with the media persons.
With a provision of Rs 160 crore, the government has planned expansion of the Shiv Bhajan scheme on Taluka level also, he said.
While on the backdrop of rising coronavirus cases in the state, the minister has proposed certain precautionary and preventive measures for Shiv Bhojan centres and its working staff and beneficiaries.
Bhujbal in the course of his Facebook chat recommended daily sanitization of Kitchenware equipment at the centres. “Centre operators should wear protective masks and serve foods to the needy only after the hand wash. Ensure 3 feet distance of the individuals at the centres,” he stated.
“Restaurant operators should provide food to customers in the form of packing, wash their hands with soap for at least twenty seconds before preparing meals, disinfect all dishes of Shiv Bhojan. The decision will be of great relief to the needy, poor, farmers, workers and the working class in the state,” the minister stated.
We are 24-hour open to help and assist people on queries related to supply of essential commodities, Bhijbal assured while issuing warning to the black marketeers and hoarders of essential goods.
In the midst of preventive measures being taken to combat Covid-19 pandemic, Bhujbal assured that there is sufficient stock of food grain in the state and there is no need to get panic. The minister’s office is always prompt to provide assistance to the citizens in case of problems related to the supply of essential commodities as well as any other nature, he added.
