16.3 crore families may get subsidised sucrose

Government is planning to provide one kg of sugar to an additional 16.3 crore families through the public distribution system (PDS) at a subsidized rate that will cost the exchequer Rs 4,727 crore and is also mulling offering additional foodgrains from buffer stock to clear storage ahead of monsoon.

At present, sucrose is distributed at a subsided rate of Rs 13.5 per kg to 2.5 crore families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).The proposal is to extend one kg refined sugar supplies to additional 16.29 crore beneficiary families, would cost Rs 4,727 crore to the exchequer, sources said. The ministry is thinking of supplying 1 or 2 kg of additional foodgrains but a final call is yet to be taken, sources said.

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the government is supplying 5 kg of foodgrains each per month to over 80 crore people at a highly subsidized price. Wheat is being supplied at Rs 2 per kg, while rice at Rs 3 per kg.

Source: ISMA