Cabinet Nod to Supply Free Fortified Rice

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several key initiatives on Wednesday, including the continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes until 2028 and the development of a National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. The fortified rice supply programme to reduce anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, will have an outlay of Rs 17,082 crore, while Rs 4,406 crore will be invested in constructing 2,280 km of roads in border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab.

Addressing the media, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the fortified rice initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), will continue from July 2024 to December 2028, fully funded by the Centre. This initiative seeks to address the widespread issue of anemia and nutrient deficiencies in India, as identified by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021.

The rice fortification programme will be implemented under various government schemes, including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and PM POSHAN, to enhance the nutritional security of the vulnerable population. The programme is in line with the Prime Minister's vision of ensuring nutritional security, first announced during India's 75th Independence Day.

In another significant move, the Union Cabinet approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, to showcase India's 4,500-year-old maritime history. The NMHC project will be executed in two phases, with an expected creation of around 22,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect employment opportunities.

Phase 1A of the project will include the construction of the NMHC museum, featuring six galleries, including one dedicated to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, with external naval artifacts such as INS Nishank, Sea Harrier war aircraft, and a UH3 helicopter. A replica model of the ancient Lothal township will also be part of this phase. Phase 1B will include the expansion of the museum, a lighthouse museum planned to be the world’s tallest, and a hospitality zone. Phase 2 will feature Coastal States Pavillions, a maritime-themed eco-resort, and several theme-based parks, among other attractions.

The Cabinet also approved the construction of 2,280 km of roads in Rajasthan and Punjab’s border areas. This infrastructure development project aims to enhance road and telecom connectivity, water supply, healthcare, education, and rural livelihoods in border regions. Vaishnaw emphasised that this decision reflects a shift in mindset, focusing on providing facilities in border areas comparable to other parts of the country.

“These projects will significantly improve the lives of people in border areas by ensuring connectivity, enhancing rural livelihoods, and integrating these regions with the rest of the country,” Vaishnaw added.