Jamshedpur: Salt, sugar and pulses not distributed for months; kerosene supply also stalled

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: For the past eight months, salt and sugar have not been distributed in East Singhbhum and other districts under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The last distribution took place in June 2024 and since July, no allocations have been made, as confirmed by the Aahar portal of the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department.

Additionally, gram dal, which is provided by the state government, has not been distributed for the past three months despite an allocation of 4,87,676 kg for East Singhbhum in December. Officials have not provided any clarity, only stating, “Once the allocation is received, distribution will follow.”

Sugar is exclusively distributed to Antyodaya cardholders, with 55,844 families in East Singhbhum eligible for one kilogram each. However, this too has not been provided since June.

Further adding to the crisis, kerosene distribution has been stalled since October, despite allocations being available. Six wholesalers in the district have refused to lift stocks, citing financial losses due to high procurement costs of Rs 86-Rs 87 per litre.