Free Ration Scheme Launched for Migrants in Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir government will begin distributing free ration to migrants starting April 18. This initiative, targeting both Kashmir and Jammu divisions, ensures that all relief ration card holders receive 11 kg of free ration monthly. Amendments have integrated migrant ration cards with the NFSA database.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a major welfare initiative, commencing the distribution of free ration to migrants from April 18 across designated depots in the Union territory.

This effort, managed under a special scheme for migrants in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, was confirmed by a government notification issued on March 5. Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani emphasized that all relief ration card holders, regardless of classification, will receive 11 kg of free ration and 1 kg of sugar per person monthly.

Moreover, migrants registered under the non-relief category, such as pensioners, will access ration at approved rates as specified by the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The initiative is supported by recent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Food Security Rules, 2021, integrating migrant ration cards with the NFSA database to extend welfare benefits.

(With inputs from agencies.)