JUMLA: A total of 904 people from eight local levels in Jumla received subsidised rice for birth and death rites from the Food Management and Trading Company Limited during the last fiscal year. Branch chief Manoj Joshi stated that 558 people received the subsidy for birth-related rites, while 346 people received it for death-related rites.
The company distributed 271 quintals of rice, valued at Rs 1.97 million, during the period. An additional Rs 428,500 was spent on transportation allowances for the recipients. For birth rites, 220 people received Rs 1,000, while 380 people received Rs 500. For death rites, 19 individuals were provided Rs 1,000, and 35 received Rs 500.
Residents of Hima, Sinja, Tila, and Kanakasundari rural municipalities receive Rs 1,000 in transport allowance alongside the rice. Residents of Tatopani, Guthichaur, Patarasi rural municipalities, and Chandannath Municipality are provided with a Rs 500 allowance.
To access the facility, applicants must present a copy of the birth or death registration certificate, a recommendation from their respective ward, and a copy of their citizenship certificate. Applications must be submitted within 35 days of the event. The government, under then-prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in August 2016, announced the provision of 30 kg of rice per family for birth and death events. The Jumla branch of the food company currently holds a stock of 1,900 quintals of rice.
