In a move to support Akharas, institutions and Kalpvasis during Mahakumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a subsidised ration scheme, offering flour at Rs 5 per kg and rice at Rs 6 per kg.

A total of 138 fair price shops have been set up in the fair area for smooth distribution.

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Officials here on Tuesday said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to make comprehensive arrangements, with special attention to the food requirements of devotees. The government has effectively opened its “food granary” for the Mahakumbh, arranging for 1.2 lakh white ration cards for Kalpvasis to have access to subsidised items.

Kalpvasis, Akharas, and institutions will benefit from significantly reduced prices on essential supplies. Flour will be available at Rs 5 per kilogram, rice at Rs 6 per kilogram, and sugar at Rs 18 per kilogram. Additionally, the government has allocated 800 permits to Akharas and institutions.

Officials said in addition to subsidised rations, the government has ensured comprehensive facilities for cooking food during Mahakumbh 2025. Agencies have been appointed in all 25 sectors to provide new gas connections to Kalpvasis, Akharas, and institutions, along with seamless refilling services.

Kalpvasis with their own empty gas cylinders can also avail of refilling facilities. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate three types of gas cylinders — 5 kg, 14.2 kg, and 19 kg — to cater to varying needs.

To ensure uninterrupted food supply, 138 fair price shops have been set up in the Mahakumbh area. Additionally, five food storage warehouses have been prepared, stocked with 6,000 metric tonnes of flour, 4,000 metric tonnes of rice, and 2,000 metric tonnes of sugar. These facilities aim to prevent any inconvenience to Akharas, Kalpvasis, and institutions.

Under this initiative, each Kalpvasi will be provided with 3 kg flour, 2 kg rice, and 1 kg of sugar. This ration facility will be available from January through the end of February.

The “One Nation One Card” scheme will also be implemented to ensure accessibility for all eligible beneficiaries. To further streamline the distribution process, each shop has been stocked with 100 quintals of goods to meet the daily needs of the participants.