For Prelims: Public Distribution System (PDS), Iodised Salt, Reverse Auction, Scheme Name, Beneficiaries, Total Quantity for FY 2026-27, Coverage Area, Procurement Method
For Mains: Food security, Nutritional security, Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), Transparent procurement (e-procurement, reverse auction)
Source:
Dainik Bhaskar
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana distributes free iodised salt in Jharkhand.
- Total salt allocated for FY 2026-27 is 82,000 metric tonnes.
- The scheme covers all 24 districts of Jharkhand.
- Salt is distributed in 1 kg packets through PDS shops.
- Procurement uses e-procurement and reverse auction.
Why in the news?
Jharkhand government has operationalised the Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana to distribute free, refined iodised salt to all ration cardholders across 24 districts. Under the scheme, 82,000 metric tonnes of salt will be supplied through PDS shops in FY 2026-27, with procurement via e-procurement and reverse auction for transparency.
Summary
- Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana provides free refined iodised salt to all ration cardholders in Jharkhand.
- A total of 82,000 metric tonnes (8.20 lakh quintals) of free-flow refined iodised salt will be supplied across all 24 districts for FY 2026-27.
- Procurement is done through e-procurement and reverse auction to ensure transparency and cost-effectiveness.
Highlights
Free Iodised Salt for Ration Cardholders
Jharkhand government launches distribution of free refined iodised salt under Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana through PDS shops.
82,000 MT Supply Chain Activated
A total of 82,000 metric tonnes of salt will be supplied in 1 kg packets to block-level warehouses across all 24 districts for FY 2026-27.
Transparent Procurement via Reverse Auction
Procurement is done through e-procurement and reverse auction to ensure quality salt at the most economical rates.
Background
Jharkhand has a significant population dependent on the Public Distribution System (PDS) for subsidised food grains. Iodised salt is essential to prevent iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) like goitre, hypothyroidism and mental impairment. The Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana extends the state's food security net to include iodised salt, addressing both nutritional and health concerns of the poor.
Key Analysis and Impact
The scheme covers all 24 districts of Jharkhand, ensuring uniform access. The quarterly requirement of 20,500 metric tonnes indicates consistent demand. Using e-procurement and reverse auction minimises corruption and ensures competitive pricing. The distribution through block-level warehouses of the Jharkhand State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation leverages existing PDS infrastructure, reducing logistical costs.
Way Forward
Sustained monitoring of salt quality and timely supply to PDS shops will be critical. The state may consider expanding the scheme to include other micronutrients. Regular health impact assessments can help measure reduction in IDD prevalence. The transparent procurement model can be replicated for other PDS commodities.
Jharkhand connection
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Public Distribution System (PDS)
- A government-run system that distributes subsidised food and non-food items to the poor through a network of fair price shops (ration shops). It is operated under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- Iodised Salt
- Table salt mixed with a small amount of iodine (as potassium iodate or potassium iodide) to prevent iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) such as goitre, hypothyroidism and cretinism.
- Reverse Auction
- A type of auction where sellers compete to offer the lowest price for a contract. It is used in government procurement to ensure cost-effectiveness and transparency.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: 82,000 metric tonnes (8.20 lakh quintals) of salt for FY 2026-27 under Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana
- Nodal Body: Food and Consumer Affairs Directorate, Jharkhand / Jharkhand State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may confuse the scheme name with a national scheme like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) or ask about the quantity in wrong units (quintals vs metric tonnes). Also, they may ask about the implementing agency — it is the Jharkhand State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation, not the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Write these in mains answers
- Food security, Nutritional security, Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), Transparent procurement (e-procurement, reverse auction)
Stuck? Get it in one tap
The Jharkhand government gives free iodised salt to every family that has a ration card. The salt comes in 1 kg packets from PDS shops. For this year, the government has arranged 82,000 metric tonnes of salt. It buys the salt through an online bidding process to get the best price and ensure quality.
- Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana distributes free iodised salt in Jharkhand.
- Total salt allocated for FY 2026-27 is 82,000 metric tonnes.
- The scheme covers all 24 districts of Jharkhand.
- Salt is distributed in 1 kg packets through PDS shops.
- Procurement uses e-procurement and reverse auction.
- Governance: Public Distribution System and food security
- Society: Nutrition and health schemes
Related concepts: Public Distribution System (PDS), Iodised Salt, Reverse Auction
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which state government launched the Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana for free distribution of iodised salt through PDS?
Explanation: The Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana was launched by the Government of Jharkhand to provide free refined iodised salt to all ration cardholders through the Public Distribution System.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana:
- 1.The scheme distributes free refined iodised salt to all ration cardholders in Jharkhand.
- 2.The total quantity of salt allocated for FY 2026-27 is 82,000 metric tonnes.
- 3.Procurement is done through e-procurement and forward auction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the scheme provides free refined iodised salt to all ration cardholders. Statement 2 is correct as 82,000 metric tonnes are allocated for FY 2026-27. Statement 3 is incorrect because procurement uses reverse auction, not forward auction. Hence option C is correct.
- Q3Medium
What is the total quantity of free refined iodised salt to be distributed under Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana in Jharkhand for FY 2026-27?
Explanation: The scheme allocates 82,000 metric tonnes (8.20 lakh quintals) of salt for FY 2026-27. 20,500 metric tonnes is the quarterly requirement, not the annual total. 8,200 metric tonnes and 8.20 lakh metric tonnes are incorrect figures.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary health objective of the Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana?
Explanation: The scheme distributes iodised salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders such as goitre, hypothyroidism and mental impairment. Reducing sodium intake or promoting organic salt are not objectives. Employment generation is a side effect, not the primary health goal.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is Mukhyamantri Namak Vitaran Yojana?
It is a Jharkhand government scheme that provides free refined iodised salt to all ration cardholders through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
2. How much salt is being distributed under this scheme for FY 2026-27?
A total of 82,000 metric tonnes (8.20 lakh quintals) of salt is allocated for FY 2026-27, with a quarterly requirement of 20,500 metric tonnes.
3. Which agency is implementing the distribution?
The Jharkhand State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation is the implementing agency, supplying salt to block-level warehouses across all 24 districts.
4. How is procurement done for this scheme?
Procurement is done through e-procurement and reverse auction to ensure transparency and the most economical rates.
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- Original10 November 2026 · Read story
