Despite the directive issued by Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure lifting of the ration meant for three months-April to June, 2026 and distribute it, the foodgrain has not reached the ration shops till now--April 10, 2026. Central Government issued a directive to the State Government to lift and distribute three months' worth of grain (for the months of April, May, and June) by April 30. The direction was issued on March 2, 2026. It was directed to Principal Secretary of the respective states, Union Territories and Chairman-Managing Director of Food Corporation of India, New Delhi.

 

The letter signed by Under Secretary of Union Ministry says, ‘I am directed to refer to subject regarding advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and to say that in view of upcoming procurement season in the country and consequent bottlenecks faced by States/UTs for efficient logistics and storage, it has been decided that States/UTs will lift the foodgrains allocated upto June, 2026 under NFSA in advance and distribute among the beneficiaries immediately. Distribution of the foodgrains lifted in advance for the month of April-June, 2026 to be completed immediately after lifting the stock of food-grains. In this regard, FCI is directed to ensure sufficient availability of foodgrains in its godowns.

 

Further, FCI is to coordinate with the States and take all the necessary steps for advance lifting. Further, transactions and authentication for each month shall be performed independently. This issues with the approval of competent authority.’ The State Government has failed to take any appropriate action in this regard due to a lack of proper planning. Consequently, the Point of Sale (POS) machines at ration shops remain inactive, and shopkeepers have not yet distributed ration to the beneficiaries. Many needy beneficiaries, already struggling to secure cooking gas cylinders, are now left yearning for ration as well.

 

Ration Dukandar Sangh, Nagpur submitted a memorandum to Food and Civil Supplies officer. According to the Association, they have stock that will be enough to cater to the need of the people for the month of April. But they did not get stock of three months. The people called the attitude of Government as irresponsible. The poor public is receiving neither cylinders to cook with nor grain to eat. The Association had already submitted a letter urging the department to formulate a plan for the three-month grain distribution as soon as possible; however, a distinct lack of planning remains evident within the department. The 7th of every month is observed by the department as ‘Food Day’ (Ann Diwas); yet, even on that designated day, grain distribution remained suspended.