Jalpaiguri, 11th March: Ahead of the much-anticipated assembly election in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched the ‘Ma’ scheme to provide a meal at a nominal price of Rs 5 to poor people.
Meanwhile, the said scheme has received a wide response in Jalpaiguri. Ever since February 15, meals are being provided to the needy people under the initiative of Jalpaiguri Municipality by setting up camps in the municipal premises. The municipality authorities claim that the meal distribution time has been extended due to the response and encouragement received from the common people.
Today’s meal platter includes rice, pulses, vegetables, and eggs cooked by the women of self-help groups. The rickshaw pullers, e-rickshaw (Toto) drivers, the temporary workers of the municipality, and several needy people had the meal.
Sandeep Mahato, a member of the municipality’s governing body, said that initially 50 people were fed per day. Now, meals are distributed among more than 200 people every day. He also asserted to pay special attention to the quality of food.