Gujarat often boasts as a prosperous state, but the reality is that 76 lakh families are dependent on free foodgrains provided by the government. Millions of people are living in dire conditions, struggling to afford two meals a day, forcing over half of Gujarat’s population to rely on free foodgrains.

The state government on Wednesday presented a report that in 2024, 21.91 lakh tonnes of free food grains were distributed, amounting to ₹7,529 crore. A total of 3.72 crore people are benefiting from the free food distribution scheme.  

Numerous government schemes are in place in the state. Every year, the government spends billions of rupees on these schemes, yet poverty seems to persist in Gujarat. 

According to government data, in the last two years, 1,359 more families in Gujarat have fallen into poverty.  

When half of Gujarat is forced to rely on free foodgrains, the government is celebrating it as an ‘achievement’. Amidst talks of prosperity, people in cities cannot even afford to spend ₹32 per day, while in rural areas, this amount is only ₹26 per day. This clearly shows that poverty in Gujarat is increasing, yet the government is taking credit for the free food distribution.

Also read:

Congress demands vigilance probe in Dahod’s ₹100 cr MGNREGA scam in Assembly