Monday, August 11, 2008

Contracted About 2.8 Lakh Tonnes Of Imported Edible Oils - Aug 11 , 20008

State-owned trading firms have contracted about 2.8 lakh tonnes of imported edible oils till date for distribution through ration shops, with an aim to provide relief to consumers from rising prices. MMTC, STC, PEC and cooperative major NAFED are importing edible oils on behalf of the Centre, which has launched a scheme to distribute 10 lakh tonnes of cooking oils through public distribution system at a subsidy of Rs 15 per kg.

As of now 40,000 tonnes of edible oils have been given to various states at subsidised rates for distribution to the ration card holders. As much as 39,196 tonnes have been packed in pouches and 37,000 tonnes have been handed over to various states as per their demand. The Centre has asked these agencies to import 10 lakh tonnes of edible oils during 2008-09 fiscal and a subsidy of Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for this purpose. A monthly allocation of 93,400 tonnes of edible oils has been made to 24 States and Union Territories to implement this scheme, aimed at giving relief to the common man who has had to bear with nearly 12 per cent inflation. Andhra Pradesh has been allocated 20,750 tonnes of RBD palmolein oil, followed by Maharashtra 18,200 tonnes and Tamil Nadu 15,500 tonnes. Under the scheme, which was launched by Food Minister Sharad Pawar in Hyderabad on July 28, one kg of cooking oil will be provided per month to each family covered under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyoday Anna Yojna (AAY) schemes.

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