Centre to provide chana pulses to states, UTs at discounted rates 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved disposal of chana pulses to states and union territories at discounted rates to utilise for various welfare schemes. The disposal will be done from the stock of pulses procured under Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). 

It also approved enhancement of the ceiling on quantity of procurement under PSS from existing 25 per cent to 40 per cent in respect of tur, urad, and masur. Under this approved scheme, the states and UTs are offered to lift 15 lakh metric ton of chana at the discount of Rs 8/kg over the issue price of the sourcing state on first come first serve basis. The states and UTs will utilise these pulses in their various welfare schemes including mid-day meals, public distribution system, and integrated child development programmes.  

This will be a one-time dispensation for a period of 12 months or till the complete disposal of 15 lakh metric ton stock of chana. The centre will spend Rs 1200 crore for the implementation of this scheme.

In recent times, the country has witnessed an all-time high production of chana, especially during the last three years. The central government under the price support scheme has made record procurement of chana due to which 30.55 lakh metric ton Chana is available with the government under PSS and PSF. The production of chana is expected to be good in the coming rabi season as well.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)