The second phase of the Bharat Brand retail sales has resumed, offering essential food items like wheat flour and rice at significantly subsidized prices. The aim of this scheme is to help consumers, especially in the face of rising food prices in the market. Currently, wheat flour is available at just Rs. 30 per kg (with a maximum of five packets per customer), and rice is being sold at Rs. 34 per kg for a 10 kg pack.
Subsidized Prices and Market Comparisons:
- The current market price of rice ranges from Rs. 55 to Rs. 60 per kg, while wheat flour is priced between Rs. 45 and Rs. 50 per kg.
- Chickpeas, which are another essential item, are being sold at Rs. 90-100, while groundnuts cost Rs. 120-130 in the market.
- Under the Bharat Brand scheme, rice is offered at a much lower price of Rs. 34 per kg, and wheat flour is available at Rs. 30 per kg. Additionally, gram is being sold for Rs. 70 per kg, and groundnut at Rs. 107 per kg.
Quantity Available for Sale:
In this second phase, the government has made available 3.69 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 2.91 lakh metric tonnes of rice for retail sale. The subsidized sales will continue until these stocks are exhausted. If necessary, more wheat and rice supplies may be provided.
Bharat Brand’s First Phase:
In the first phase (October 2023 to June 2024), the Bharat Brand scheme saw great success, with 15.20 lakh metric tonnes of wheat flour and 14.58 lakh metric tonnes of rice being distributed to consumers at subsidized prices. The ongoing second phase aims to maintain stability in food prices and offer relief to families, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Government’s Effort to Stabilize Prices:
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi emphasized that the Bharat Brand scheme is a temporary initiative designed to assist consumers and prevent the escalation of food prices. These subsidized items are being sold through various distribution channels, including mobile vans and government food outlets such as NCCF, NAFED, and big chain retailers, both online and offline.
Future of the Scheme:
As the sale progresses, more food items like sorghum and gram are expected to be included in the Bharat Brand sales. The scheme’s success in the first phase laid the groundwork for this second phase, and the government remains committed to ensuring that consumers can access quality food at affordable prices during uncertain times.
Bharat Brand retail sales continue to be a valuable tool for controlling food prices and ensuring that essential goods are available to everyone. The government’s continued efforts to maintain these subsidies bring much-needed relief to households across India.
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