Food security in India remains a critical concern, as the nation grapples with the challenge of ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of affordable and nutritious food to its vast and diverse population. The Indian government has implemented various schemes and initiatives, including the National Food Security Act, to address these issues by subsidizing food grains. The Government of West Bengal has launched a welfare scheme called “Khadya Sathi Scheme” to tackle food security in the state. In this article, we are going to talk about the scheme in detail. I am certain that by the end of the article, you won’t have any problem regarding the scheme.
What is the Khadya Sathi Scheme?
The Khadya Sathi scheme which was launched by the Chief Minister of West Bengal on January 26, 2016, is a scheme aimed at ensuring food security for individuals falling within the Below Poverty Level (BPL) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories. This comprehensive scheme encompasses approximately 90% of the state’s population and offers subsidized rice and wheat to eligible beneficiaries. With the goal of establishing an organized food distribution system for state ration card holders, Khadya Sathi focuses on delivering food provisions uniformly to its recipients. For more in-depth information about this program, read this article, till the end. Let’s look at the Key Highlights of the scheme.
The core principle and primary impetus behind the ‘Khadya Sathi’ initiative is to ensure that no underprivileged individual in West Bengal goes without access to essential food grains. The program’s guiding motto is “Food for all,” reflecting its commitment to providing sustenance to every citizen in need.
| Khadya Sathi Scheme 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme 2023 Launch Date | January 27, 2016 |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme 2023 Official Website | Click Here |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Objective | To provide food to BPL Card Holders and EWS categories |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Benefcaires | BPL Card Holders and EWS categories |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Department | Department of Food and Supplies, West Bengal |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Benefit | Rice and Wheat at a subsidized rate |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Rice and Wheat price per kg | Rs 2 per kg |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Mode of Application | Online and Offline |
| Khadya Sathi Scheme Helpline Number | 1800 345 5505 / 1967 (TOLL-FREE) |
Khadya Sathi Scheme Objectives
The prime objective of the Khadya Sathi Scheme is to provide food to every household irrespective of their economic state. Under this scheme, the West Bengal Government will provide rice and wheat at the subsidized rate of Rs 2 per kg. This subsided rate will be provided only to the BPL card holders and people belonging to EWS categories. You need to make e ration card for the same purpose and you will be able to take advantage of this scheme.
Khadya Sathi Scheme Benefits
The Khadya Sathi Scheme offers several advantages, making it a valuable initiative. Its benefits include:
- Support for EWS and BPL Individuals: The scheme is particularly advantageous for individuals within the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Below Poverty Level (BPL) categories.
- Affordable Food: Under this program, beneficiaries can access rice and wheat at a highly affordable price of just Rs. 2 per kilogram, ensuring cost-effective access to staple foods.
- Food Security: Khadya Sathi plays a crucial role in providing food security to those in need, contributing to the well-being and nutrition of the vulnerable segments of society.
- Efficient Application Process: The scheme offers a streamlined application process, simplifying the addition or removal of family members, and ensuring accessibility and ease of use for beneficiaries.
Khadya Sathi Scheme Eligibility Criteria
It is extremely important to keep an eye on the Khadya Sathi Scheme Eligibility in order to ensure that you can take the benefit of the scheme. To qualify for the Khadya Sathi Scheme and ensure eligibility for the applicant and his family members, the following criteria must be met.
- Indian Citizenship: Applicant must be an Indian citizen. You can produce an Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport for that.
- West Bengal Residency: Eligibility is restricted to residents of West Bengal, ensuring that the benefits are accessible to the state’s inhabitants.
- BPL and EWS Status: Individuals must fall within the Below Poverty Level (BPL) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories to be eligible for this program.
- Valid Ration Card: Possession of a valid ration card is a prerequisite to accessing the scheme’s benefits.
- Non-Government Employment: Applicants should not hold government employment positions to be eligible for the Khadya Sathi scheme.
Please Note: In cases where the ration card has expired, applicants can avail of the Khadya Sathi scheme upon renewal of their ration card, ensuring continued access to its advantages.
Khadya Sathi Scheme Documents Required
To successfully apply for the Khadya Sathi scheme, the following essential documents are required. Here is the complete list of Khadya Sathi Scheme documents that are required for the same.
- Digital Copy of Ration Card
- Voter ID Card
- Aadhar Card
- Income Certificate
- Passport-sized photograph of the Applicant
These documents are vital for the application process, ensuring that eligible individuals can access the benefits of the Khadya Sathi scheme seamlessly.
Khadya Sathi Scheme How to Apply?
In order to apply for the Khadya Sathi scheme, you need to follow these step-by-step instructions. Make sure to fill in the correct information so that you don’t have to face rejection afterward.
- Visit the official ‘Egiye Bangla‘ page on the WB government website
- Click on the ‘E-Citizen’ option found on the official page.
- On the drop-down menu, select the ‘Apply for a New Ration Card for a family‘ option.
- You need to enter the mobile number you have registered with.
- If you are not sure which mobile number you are registered with then you can select the category and your ration card number.
- After that, enter all the necessary details as indicated on the page.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Finally, click on the ‘Submit’ button to initiate your application. This straightforward process ensures that you can apply for the Khadya Sathi Prakalpa with ease.
Khadya Sathi Scheme Application Status Check
To check the status of your Khadya Sathi scheme application, follow these steps:
- Visit the official ‘Egiye Bangla‘ page on the WB government website.
- Click on the “E-Citizen” tab where you will find “Check Application Status”
- After that, click on “Select Form Type” and Enter the Full (16/10 Digit) Application Number (Barcode Number) or Enter a 10-digit Mobile No.
- Select the ‘Search’ option to view the current status of your application. This process enables you to easily check the status of your Khadya Sathi scheme application.
Download Varieties of Khadya Sathi Scheme Forms (Offline)
The West Bengal government has introduced a range of distinct forms to address various issues concerning ration cards. The sa
| Name of the Form | Form Link |
| Application for DRC (Rural area) | Form 3R |
| Application for DRC of Family (Urban area) | Form 3U |
| Application for Inclusion of left-out members of a family already havingDigital Ration Card (Both Rural & Urban Areas) | Form 4 |
| Application for correction(s) in Digital Ration Card | Form 5 |
| Application for Change of Ration Shop or Kerosene Oil Shop | Form 6 |
| Application for surrendering Digital Ration Cards | Form 7 |
| Application for conversion from RKSY-II /Card to RKSY I Card / GEN to RKSY I ( Rural ) | Form 8R |
| Application for conversion From RKSY-II / GEN to RKSY ( Urban Areas) | Form 8U |
| Application for getting a duplicate card | Form 9 |
| Application for Identity Purpose Ration Card/Conversion from NFSA/RKSY to identitypurpose card | Form 10 |
| Application for updating of Mobile Number & Aadhaar | Form 11 |
| Application for Reactivating Ration Card | Form 12 |
| Application for Change of Ration Shop or Kerosene Oil Shop of Part Family | Form 13 |
| Application of an Individual for Shifting to a New Family | Form 14 |
