Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)

New Delhi, Mar 25: With a hope to support people in the time of financial distress, union minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday announced prices for wheat and rice. The revised rates will be applicable for a period of 3 months, for now. Over 80 crore people will be the beneficiaries of these concessional rates.

"The cost of wheat which is at Rs 27 will be provided at Rs 2. The cost of rice which is at Rs 37 will be available at Rs 3," Javadekar said.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Javadekar said, "The Central Government will provide 80 crore people every month with 7kg ration per person at just Rs 2 which actually costs Rs 27. Cost of rice which is Rs 33 will be provided at Rs 3 per kg. This is for 80 crore people. This is the world's largest food security system and Rs 1800 crores will be spent on it. 3 months of advance ration will be provided to the state governments."

Furthermore, he added, "As you know all workers in the Central Government will get their salaries, but the contractual labourers they will also get their salaries. Private companies have been urged to provide workers with minimum wages and the response has been good."

The I&B minister has also urged people to not believe in rumours and avoid panic. Javadekar stated that despite the lockdown, essential services and shops will remain operational. "State governments have been asked to start a helpline. The Home Ministry is also going open up their helpline today," he added.

Meanwhile, to mitigate hardships faced by economically weaker sections of society, several state governments have announced increased rations and free meals.