States to get pulses at discounted rates for welfare schemes; Centre to spend Rs 1200 cr on implementation

The Centre on Wednesday approved the disposal of chana (pulses) to states at discounted rates, for usage in various welfare schemes. This provision would be done through the stock of pulses procured under Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF).

The approval for the proposal was given during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which met earlier in the day.

The ceiling for procurement under PSS has been enhanced from the existing 25 per cent to 40 per cent in case of toor, urad and masur.

Under this approved scheme, states are offered to lift 15 lakh metric tonnes of chana at the discount of Rs 8 per kg over the issue price of the sourcing state on first come first serve basis.

The states can use these pulses for their various welfare schemes like Mid-Day Meal, Public Distribution System and Integrated Child Development Programmes (ICDP) among others.

This will be one-time dispensation for a period of 12 months or till complete disposal of 15 lakh metric tonnes stock of chana, whichever is earlier, official sources said.

The Centre will spend Rs 1,200 crore for implementation of this scheme.