AMARAVATI: The Andhra Pradesh government started the fourth phase of ration distribution for over 1.47 crore beneficiaries from Saturday morning, May 16, to ensure no one in the state is left hungry during the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

As per the directions of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the state government will distribute the ration till May 27.

The government will be distributing five kgs of rice per person to every family, About 35 kgs of free rice to ‘Antyodaya Anna Yojana’ cardholders and one kg of bengal gram dal will also be given to all the 1,47,24,017 eligible families, holding ration cards across the state as part of the fourth phase of ration distribution.

About 29,783 ration shops in 13 districts are distributing ration to people across the state.

Officials have taken all necessary measures to avoid crowding near the ration shops and are taking special care to see that physical distancing is maintained there. Bio-metric has been made mandatory for all ration cardholders. Adhering to the state government’s guidelines, ration dealers have made sanitizers available at their shops.

In a bid to avoid people crowding at the ration shops, the state government has printed tokens with different time slots for the convenience of the beneficiaries. These tokens will be handed over to all eligible cardholders by village volunteers throughout the day.

The state government has requested people to maintain physical distancing and wear masks while standing in queues at the ration shops.

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