Focus on the Poor, Workers, and Farmers: MP Reviews Free Ration Scheme, Bonus Payments, and Tech-Driven Reforms

Madhya Pradesh government conducted a comprehensive review of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department on Monday at the Convention Centre in Khajuraho. During the meeting, officials were instructed to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives foodgrain benefits smoothly and on time, as the poor, workers, farmers, and women remain top priorities for the state.

The review covered key areas including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), procurement processes, technological upgrades, and preparations for Simhastha 2028. The Food Directorate informed that over 34 lakh ineligible beneficiaries were removed from the portal after verification, while nearly 14 lakh new eligible beneficiaries have been issued ration cards and are now receiving free foodgrain.

25.18 Lakh Workers Added to Free Ration List:

During the meeting, it was revealed that a 29th priority category has been created for unorganised and migrant workers registered on the e-Shram portal. Under this category, 7.25 lakh families comprising 25.18 lakh workers have been issued eligibility slips and are receiving free ration.
In the last two years, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), more than 5.25 crore beneficiaries in the state received 66.37 lakh metric tonnes of free foodgrain worth ₹19,935 crore. The number of PDS centres across the state has also been increased to ensure wider reach.

93% Beneficiaries Complete e-KYC:

Of the 536.23 lakh beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 93% (497.08 lakh) have successfully completed e-KYC. Additionally, 14 lakh new eligible families have been added, and free foodgrain is being distributed to them.

Farmers Receive MSP, Bonus, and Incentives:

The state government highlighted major decisions taken to ensure fair prices for farmers:

• For Rabi seasons 2024–25 and 2025–26, wheat-growing farmers received ₹29,558.40 crore as MSP and ₹1,965 crore as bonus.
• For Kharif seasons 2023–24 and 2024–25, paddy farmers received ₹19,208.76 crore as MSP along with ₹337.11 crore as incentive under the Chief Minister’s Agriculture Advancement Scheme.
• A record 9.64 lakh metric tonnes of rice was procured in 2024–25, benefitting rice producers across the state.
• Storage capacity in state warehouses has also been enhanced.

Ladli Bahna Beneficiaries Receive Ujjwala Support:

Women covered under the Chief Minister Ladli Bahna Yojana who also hold Ujjwala LPG connections received 616.97 lakh LPG refills over the last two years, with ₹911.32 crore provided as subsidy.

Monitoring and logistics oversight has been modernized:

• Vehicles under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Annadoot Yojana are now tracked through GPS monitoring.
• The state has introduced the Moisture App, Fumigation App, and Inspection App to improve warehouse management and real-time monitoring.

Modern POS Machines to Be Installed at Ration Shops:

The state’s three-year action plan includes installation of advanced POS machines integrated with digital weighing scales and iris scanners at all fair price shops. The government will also implement the Smart PDS system, install solar panels on warehouse rooftops, modernize storage infrastructure, and strengthen data synchronization across departments.