NEW DELHI: The Central government on Wednesday, August 31,  approved the disposal of chana (pulses) to states at reduced discounted rates, for usage in various welfare schemes.

This provision would be done through the stock of pulses procured under Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) and  Price Support Scheme (PSS).The stock of pulses brought through PPS and PSF Fund would be used to implement this requirement. 

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs met, and during that meeting, the idea received approved.  For toor, urad, and masur, the ceiling for procurement under PSS has been raised from the previous 25 percent to 40 percent 

States are given the opportunity to hoist 15 lakh metric tonnes of chana under this approved scheme at a discount of Rs 8 per kilogram over the issue price of the source state, first come, first served.

The states may employ these pulses for a number of their welfare programmes, including the Integrated Child Development Programs (ICDP), the Public Distribution System, and Mid-Day Meal.

According to government sources, this will be a one-time permission for a period of 12 months or until the entire stock of 15 lakh metric tonnes of chana has been disposed of, whichever comes first. For the purpose of implementing this scheme, the Center will spend Rs 1,200 crore.

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