Govt to provide rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg to 80 cr poor people

New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday announced to provide rice and wheat at Rs 3 and Rs 2 per kg, respectively to the 80 crore poor people  in the wake of 21-day nationwide lockdown. 

Addressing a press conference here, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said, "Every person will get 7 kg ration every month, including wheat at a cost of Rs 2 per kg, instead of Rs 27 per kg; and rice at cost of Rs 3 per kg, instead of Rs 37 per kg."

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he announced a countrywide lockdown on Tuesday, forcing people to stay indoors  for the next 21 days to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The government assured that there will be no shortage of food products and essential goods during the lockdown.

Immediately after the announcement of the lockdown, grocery stores in the country saw a burst of buyers rushing to gather enough grocery items to keep their household running in the lockdown. 

On delivery businesses, he said  it is unfortunate that delivery agents are being harassed at some places, but such cases are very few in number.

Asked about the impact of Coronavirus on economy,  he said that the government is studying financial impact of the coronavirus-let's solve the crisis first.

All the states have been told to start helplines in districts and Home Ministry will announce its own helpline number today, Mr Javadekar said.Essential services shops will remain open, he added.(UNI)