India has enough food to feed its people, nothing to worry: Paswan

India has food grains stored for at least the next two years and there is nothing to worry, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has assured. He said various welfare-oriented schemes of the government have been doing fine and the 'one nation, one ration card' would also be a reality by March next year.

New Delhi: Expressing satisfaction over the availability of food grains in India, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan said there was nothing to worry and the government would continue to ensure proper supply of food grains across the country as it deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

In an exclusive interview to ETV Bharat, the Union Minister said that the central government maintained good supply of food grains all through the coronavirus-induced lockdown across the country and it would continue to do the same so that nobody goes without food.

"Our government took all measures to provide food grains in different parts of the country. We even used horses and goats in difficult terrains to make sure that food grains reach everyone during the lockdown," he said.

Asked about the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' pledge and 'one nation, one ration card', the minister said that the government has been working on these two missions and both would be achieved soon.

Five kg of wheat - per person- and five kg chana per family is being distributed for free to help migrant workers and other marginalized people who have lost their work due to the lockdown, he said.

On being reminded that some states have requested the central government to extend the 'Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana', under which ration is being provided for free to the marginalized, beyond June, he said the government would decide on it.

"Nothing has been decided as yet. The government would take an appropriate decision after considering everything," the minister added.

Paswan, while reassuring that the nation has enough of food grains and no one will remain hungry in this time of distress, said the scheme of 'one nation, one ration card' will be a reality by March 31 next year.

States and union territories are joining the scheme every month and by March next it would be a reality, he said, adding that India has food grains stored for at least next two years.