A councillor of the Raiganj municipality along with his colleagues at their local club, Ramkrishna Sangha, on Monday formally launched an initiative which aims to provide free food grains to about 1000 people living in the streets of the town once every month.

Arnab Mondal, the councillor of ward 13 and also the president of Ramkrishna Sangha, said they had decided to name the initiative “Anuprerana” under which beggars and vagabonds would be given 5kg of rice and 1kg of lentils every month.

“Initially, we have decided to provide food grains to 1,000 street dwellers. We are collecting the names and other details from the councillors, local trade bodies and other clubs of the town. The beneficiaries will be issued cards on the production of which they will be given food grains,” he said.

Mondal said he was the first to moot the idea with his club members and local residents, and they readily agreed. “Our club organises Kali Puja every year, and this year, we wanted to celebrate it differently. We launched the scheme from our club premises on the auspicious occasion of Kali Puja, and from January onwards, organise the free distribution once every month,” he said.

Geeta Mondal, who lives and begs in the Ukilpara area of the town, said she was delighted to hear about the scheme. “I manage to collect meagre food items in a day by begging. I was told about the scheme by some club members, and I am happy to hear about it,” she said.

Arindam Sarkar, the vice-chairman of Raiganj municipality, welcomed the initiative. “The club members have taken a great initiative by deciding to provide food grains to the beggars of the town,” he said.

Aravind Meena, the district magistrate of North Dinajpur, also lauded the effort of the club.