BJP accuses Delhi govt of creating food insecurity

Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel today accused the Sheila Dikshit government of adding to the food related woes of the people through poor implementation of its food security schemes. 

Addressing a public rally as part of his 'Gaon-Gaon Sampark Yatra', Goel said poor people had been hit the hardest as the application forms and food grains meant for them under the food security scheme were being sold in black by touts. 

He also alleged that there is a lack of clarity regarding eligibility criteria for availing rations. "The poor families are not getting forms for the food security scheme, forms are being sold in black ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 200 each. Touts are having a field day... The new food security scheme has thus hit the poor the hardest. They are left at the mercy of officials even as food grains meant for them is being swindled and sold in open market.

"There is complete confusion and chaos about eligibility criteria for getting rations now-whether it is smart card, aadhar card or ration card? A number of people are also complaining of extremely poor quality of food grains. On top of it the prices of tomatoes have also now shot up to Rs 60/kg along with onions which are being sold at Rs 80-100/kg," he said in a release here.

Goel, while visiting several villages in Delhi, alleged that under the Delhi government's food security scheme a poor family is allocated only five kilograms of food grains per person in contrast to the earlier PDS schemes under which 35 kgs were allocated to each family.

He also alleged that the city government has made a "complete mess" of the food security measures for the poor, as there are not enough officials in Food and Civil Supplies Department or fair price shops to implement the schemes.

Goel also accused the Congress government of having neglected over 300 villages in Delhi during the past 15 years and assured the people of these villages that BJP would take care of their interests if it comes to power.