WB CM Mamata Banerjee promises rice and wheat at Rs 2 per kg

Kolkata, Dec 18: West Bengal government will give rice and wheat at a subsidised rate of Rs two per kg to over seven crore people in the state.

A policy decision has been taken in this regard, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said after a cabinet meeting. "Seven crore people will get rice and wheat at Rs 2 per kg. We are giving it so that people get food security," she told reporters here.

Every cardholder will get 5 kg of cereals every month. Another 70 lakh people in the state have filled up forms to get subsidised food, she said, adding they will get cereals at half the market price.

"We are doing this by adjusting central government schemes as well as our own scheme so that people get food security. Bread, butter, shelter and health is the main priority for the society," she said adding that the scheme will start from January 27.

"This will ensure that we have 80 per cent coverage," Banerjee said.

The cabinet meeting had also taken a decision on creating new districts and subdivisions for administrative ease, she said. Kalimpong in Darjeeling will be a made new district, while Mirik will be a new subdivision.

Jhargram in West Midnapore will also be made a new district, she said. A new Sundarbans district would be culled out of South and North 24 parganas districts. Basirhat will also be separated from North 24 parganas.

Burdwan district would be divided into two - rural and industrial. The decisions would be implemented in the next six months to one year.

"We have to take permission from court, make offices, recruit district magistrates and police superintendents," the chief minister said.

A decision was also taken at the cabinet meeting to implement the Sixth Pay Commission. Hitting out at the Centre, she said, "They take away all the money. We don't have funds, but where will the people go. It is our responsibility."

PTI