Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Monday said 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice will be distributed to 50 lakh families under the Food-Friendly Programme (FPP) on the occasion of the holy Ramadan.
"One and a half lakh tonnes of food will be distributed to 50 lakh families by March 10," he told a press briefing after joining the conference of deputy commissioners (DCs) at the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Asked whether this will bring comfort to people's life or not, Sadhan said, if 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice are distributed at Taka 15 to 50 lakh families, these people will no longer have to buy rice from the market.
"I think it will bring comfort," he said.
About the decision to mention the price and variety of rice on the sacks, the minister said the decision was taken that circular in this regard would be issued by February 20 and it will be implemented from April 14 or Pahela Boishakh when the new Boro rice will come in the market.
No one will change the packet of the rice which now remains as bagged in the market, he mentioned.
So, it will be effective from when the boro rice will come to market in the Bengali New Year, he said.
He said DCs have been asked to extend all-out cooperation for implementing the decision from the stipulated time.
Asked whether the DCs have the updated information, the minister said a meeting has started with the DC and mill owners.
Samples of paddy and rice varieties are also being provided to the DCs, he said.
About the campaign against the hoarding, he said it has largely been successful.