Shimla: The issue of ration distribution to the poor in Himachal Pradesh echoed strongly in the Rajya Sabha, as BJP MP Harsh Mahajan raised serious concerns about the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
Mahajan stated that while the Central Government has made extensive provisions to ensure food security for the गरीब (poor) across the country, the ground-level implementation in Himachal Pradesh raises several important questions regarding transparency and efficiency.
According to an official reply presented in the Rajya Sabha, the number of beneficiaries in Himachal Pradesh is substantial:
• APL (Above Poverty Line): 6,36,101
• PHH (Priority Household): 22,18,560
• Total Beneficiaries: 28,54,661
Despite this large coverage, Mahajan stressed the need to ensure that every eligible individual receives the full benefits of the scheme without any irregularities.
Under the PMGKAY, 5 kg of free food grains per person per month is being provided to beneficiaries under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH), which he described as a major relief measure for economically weaker sections.
He further informed the House that a total food subsidy of ₹47.38 crore has been released for Himachal Pradesh during the financial year 2025–26 (up to March 18, 2026). This, he said, reflects the Centre’s strong commitment towards welfare and food security.
Mahajan also highlighted that the Central Government provides additional financial assistance to states for transportation, fair price shop margins, and distribution-related logistics to ensure smooth delivery of food grains.
However, raising critical questions to the state government, he asked:
• Whether ration is reaching all 28.54 lakh beneficiaries regularly and on time?
• Whether transparency and proper monitoring mechanisms are in place?
• Whether eligible families in remote and hilly areas are receiving their due share?
He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh, being a hilly state, faces unique logistical challenges, and therefore requires more proactive governance to ensure last-mile delivery.
Concluding his remarks, Mahajan asserted that the BJP remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the poor. He warned that any shortcomings in the implementation of the scheme would be brought to light.
“The Central Government is providing free ration to the poor, but it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure that every eligible family in Himachal receives its full benefit,” he said.
