Jaipur, Nov 28 (LatestNewsX) – The Rajasthan government announced that from now on, affluent individuals will no longer be able to obtain wheat and other food grains that are earmarked for the poor under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Officials warned that anyone deemed ineligible but who continues to receive subsidies after December 31 will be asked to repay and could face penalties. This change comes as part of the state’s ongoing “Give‑Up Campaign,” which began last year on November 1 to guarantee that subsidised grains reach only those families who truly qualify. To date, 48 lakh previously ineligible beneficiaries have voluntarily surrendered their spots, freeing space for deserving families who were earlier left out. Sumit Godara, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, said that thanks to these withdrawals and a tighter verification process, the NFSA roll has now grown to over 70.25 lakh eligible members since January 26, 2025. He added that affluent people should give up their subsidy entitlements so that the grain actually reaches those who really need it, and that after December 31 state authorities will begin reclaiming benefits that were obtained fraudulently. Under the revised guidelines, households cannot claim NFSA benefits if any member pays income tax, works for the government, semi‑government, or an autonomous body, receives a family pension above ₹1 lakh a year, or owns a four‑wheeled vehicle other than tractors or commercial cars. The government will also scrutinise families paying annual electricity bills over ₹50,000, those with home air‑conditioners, or those selling more than 100 quintals of crops to the state at the minimum support price (MSP). Officials pointed out that it is contradictory for someone who sells substantial crop volumes to still receive free rations through NFSA. The department emphasized, “A person selling more than 100 quintals of produce at MSP cannot ethically claim free rations meant for the poor.” The initiative follows Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s directive to ensure public welfare programmes get to the genuine beneficiaries. District logistics officers have been directed to boost outreach and start verification work ahead of the December 31 deadline. arc/khz
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
