-The Hindu
Measures taken by the Rajasthan Government for ensuring food security to vulnerable sections were highlighted at a conference of Agriculture and Food Ministers of States in New Delhi on Wednesday.
A special reference to the reforms planned in the Public Distribution System was made on the occasion.
Addressing the conference, Rajasthan Food and Civil Supplies Minister Parsadilal Meena said his department would shortly start distribution of kerosene to below poverty line families through coupons after a successful experiment for transfer of subsidy directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries during the past two months.
Mr. Meena said the move had checked black-marketing of kerosene and suggested that it could be replicated in other States as well. He requested the Centre to consider supplying at least 10 kg of foodgrains for each person belonging to both above and below poverty line categories. Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the conference, which was attended by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.V. Thomas.