Almost 10 crore people in West Bengal covered under Khadya Sathi scheme: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said almost 10 crore people in state are covered under 'Khadya Sathi' scheme.

chief minister said that free ration will be provided to people till June 2021.

"Remembering martyrs of 1959 Khadya Andolan. In Bengal, we provide food security to almost 10 crore people of state, through Khadya Sathi scheme, during this time of pandemic. free ration will be provided to people till June 2021," Banerjee tweeted.

chief minister had earlier on June 30 this year anunced decision to provide free ration to people till June 2021.

West Bengal witnessed a mass movement in late 1958 by n undivided CPI and or left groups protesting against food crisis. movement for food (Khadya Andolon) reached its peak in August 1959.

On this day same year, several demonstrators, including farmers and women, were killed in baton charge during a protest rally on issue.

'Khadya Sathi' Scheme was inaugurated by Banerjee on January 27, 2016, with main purpose to ensure that almost 90 per cent of population would come under food security. 

(Photo: PTI)