Patna: CM Samrat Chaudhary on Thursday asked officials concerned to prepare one crore new ration cards across Bihar at the earliest, saying the state govt’s top priority is to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve of “Garib Kalyan with Dignity” with full commitment on the ground.Chaudhary issued the direction during a detailed review of departmental schemes and the public distribution system with Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Prahlad Joshi at the ‘Sankalp’ Sabhagar in Lok Sevak Awas. He asked officials to ensure regular and effective monitoring of ration distribution so every eligible beneficiary receives foodgrain with dignity and without obstruction.The CM directed the department to pay special attention to the quality, safety and maintenance of foodgrain godowns to ensure secure storage and make the public distribution system stronger and more reliable. He also asked officials to provide basic facilities, including electricity supply, at all warehouses.Chaudhary said the department should act swiftly on suggestions received from the Union govt and maintain coordination to achieve targets. State food and consumer protection minister Ashok Choudhary was also present.During the review of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, emphasis was placed on developing smart warehousing to modernise foodgrain storage. Various aspects of the Sarthak PDS model, including its modules, technical structure and cost-sharing pattern, were discussed. Union ministry joint secretary Ravishankar and Bihar food and consumer protection secretary Deepak Anand presented the department’s updated work status.In a separate review meeting with Joshi on renewable energy and energy security, Chaudhary directed officials to supply electricity to farmers through agriculture feeders daily from 6am to 6pm. He prioritised solarisation under PM-Kusum, saying solar irrigation would reduce costs and promote clean energy, and ordered scientific studies for floating solar projects at reservoirs and suitable sites.
