The Bharatiya Janata Party ruled states have been asked by the party to use banners carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state Chief Minister's pictures at centres where free ration is being distributed under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Besides, 'lotus' which is the symbol of the party should be displayed on the ration bags.
During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana was reintroduced for two months till June this year in order to minimise the economic hardships being faced by the poor. Five-kilo foodgrain per person per month is provided free of cost under the scheme to over 80 crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA). The scheme has been extended till November-end as announced by the PM Modi during his recent address to the nation.
BJP national general secretary, Arun Singh sent a letter to all its state units and highlighted that the food scheme must be publicised with great vigour. A set of instructions too have been relayed to the units.
The BJP Delhi office has chalked out the design of the banner which are to displayed at the ration shops. Ration bags in which the food will be given should display the lotus symbol, say the instructions. MLAs, MPs and other office bearers have been asked to ensure that the bags do carry the lotus symbol.
Not just the BJP ruled states, but in the states where party is not in rule, the ration bags should carry the lotus symbol. However, in such states, the banners should replace the chief minister's photo with those of public representatives, lawmakers.
Besides, party leaders have also been asked to meet the beneficiaries. Ration bags should be plastic-free, it added. It must be clear that Covid protocols are to be followed in full, it added.
