• Source:JND
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Bharat Brand Phase II:  The government on Tuesday introduced the second phase of retail distribution of wheat flour and rice under the Bharat brand at subsidized rates to provide relief to consumers from high prices. Wheat flour (atta) will be sold at Rs 30 per kg and rice at Rs 34 per kg in 5 kg and 10 kg packets through cooperatives NCCF, NAFED, central stores, and e-commerce platforms.

Inaugurating these mobile vans of cooperatives, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi said this is a temporary intervention to provide relief to the consumers. The government has allocated 3.69 lakh tonnes of wheat and 2.91 lakh tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for the second phase of retail intervention under the Price Stabilization Fund.

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This intervention will continue till the allocated stock is exhausted. "If more (income) is needed, we have enough stock and will reallocate it,  said Joshi. Under the new pricing structure, wheat flour will be available in 5 kg and 10 kg packets at Rs 30 per kg, while rice will be sold at Rs 34 per kg -- a slight increase from the first phase rates of Rs 27.5 and Rs 29 per kg, respectively.

Addressing concerns over declining rice sales in the first phase, Joshi stressed that the government's intentions were not business-oriented. Our motto is to provide relief to the consumers and control prices in the market, the minister said, adding that the government would consider introducing smaller pack sizes if demanded.

The minister called for a study to understand the price persistence despite surplus rice stocks but maintained that keeping prices under control was "largely under control", with only minor fluctuations in normal quality varieties.

In the previous phase, 15.20 lakh tonnes of wheat flour and 14.58 lakh tonnes of rice were distributed from October 2023 to June 30. In terms of future allocations, Joshi assured adequate reserves for continuation if required. Minister of State for Food B.L. Verma and Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra were also present on the occasion.

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(With Agencies Inputs)

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