Himachal: Big Cut in Wheat Supply for APL Consumers Before Holi and Navratri, Only 11 kg at Depots in March
Ahead of Holi and Navratri, the Himachal Pradesh government has reduced the wheat supply for APL ration card holders. In March, consumers will receive only 11 kg of wheat at government depots, down from 14 kg previously. In February, the allocation was 13 kg. This is the largest cut in nearly two years. Previously, in May 2023, the supply was also 11 kg. The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs has issued allotments to district officials, and the ration is expected to reach depots by the first week of March.
Himachal Pradesh has around 19 lakh ration cards, of which 12.5 lakh belong to APL consumers. Any reduction in supply directly affects these consumers, including families from the poor and middle-income segments, many of whom rely heavily on depot rations.
Currently, APL consumers receive three out of four types of pulses—Malka, Mash, and Chana—along with two liters of oil (refined and mustard), sugar, and one kg of salt. Wheat and rice are provided under central government subsidies.
At government depots, APL consumers get wheat at ₹12 per kg, while the market rate ranges from ₹36 to ₹45 per kg. The cut means consumers will now have to buy wheat from the market at nearly three times the subsidized price, impacting their budget during the festival season.
Solan District Food Supply Controller, Shravan Himalayan, confirmed that all depots will provide 11 kg of wheat per APL ration card in March. Depot holders have been instructed to collect and distribute the ration accordingly.
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