The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

More than two lakh distressed and poor families celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr comparatively cheerfully this year as the government completed distribution of 2,075 tonnes of rice under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme.

Officials in the administration with the help of the armed forces distributed the huge quantity of VGF rice allocated for the distressed people to celebrate the Eid festivity during this peak time of the 'monga'.

So far, 6,225 tonnes of VGF rice were distributed during the three months of August, September and October with 2,075 tonnes every month among 2,07,500 distressed families in all eight upazilas in the district, officials said here today.

Earlier, 2,075 tonnes of VGF rice was distributed every month among 2,07,500 distressed families in last August and September in the district under the programme, officials said.

The Ministry of Food and Disaster Management allocated 10,375 tonnes of rice worth over Taka 20.75 crore for distribution among 2,07,500 distressed families under the ongoing VGF programme with 2,075 tonnes per month in Rangpur.

The government has extended the VGF programme by two more months this year for greater Rangpur district for five months from August to December in all 83 Union Parishads (UPs) and Haragach Pourasabha in eight upazilas to help the distressed people during the lean period.

Each of the distressed families will get 50 kgs of rice in five phases every month from August to December this year in the district.

Under the programme, 1,320 tonnes of rice will be distributed among 26,400 families in each of the 11 UPs under the Sadar Upazila.

A total of 40,800 families will get 2,040 tonnes of rice in Mithapukur upazila, 36,000 families 1,800 tonnes in Pirganj upazila, 24,000 families 1,200 tonnes in Badarganj upazila and 12,000 families 600 tonnes in Taraganj upazila.

A total of 23,000 families in each of the flood-hit Chaola and Tambulpur UPs, and 17,500 families in each of the other seven UPs in Pirgacha upazila will get 1,150 tonnes of rice under the programme.

A total of 16,000 families in each of the four flood-hit UPs and 5,000 more families in each of the other two UPs in Kawnia upazila will get 800 tonnes of rice and more 125 tonnes of VGF rice will be distributed among 2,500 distressed families in flood-hit Haragach Pourasabha in Kawnia upazila.

In Gangachara upazila, 1,200 tonnes of rice will be distributed among 24,000 families in each of the worst affected six UPs and 2,500 families each for the other three UPs in the upazila, the officials said.

While talking to BSS today, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer of Rangpur Rafikul Islam said the monthly distribution process goes on smoothly without any problem under the assistance from the armed forces everywhere.