Bharat Rice Scheme 2024: On February 06, 2024, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the retail sale of Bharat Rice and flagged off 100 mobile vans. During the event, Shri Goyal emphasized the commitment to addressing the needs of the people, especially in keeping essential commodity prices in check. The Central government purchases essential commodities from farmers and sells them to consumers at subsidized rates when needed. The introduction of the Bharat Rice Scheme in the market is expected to increase supplies at affordable rates, contributing to the continued moderation of rice prices.
What is the Bharat Rice Scheme?
The Central Government has introduced the Bharat Rice Scheme to support the population from the surge of rice rates which has been surged at a 15 % rate. Under this initiative, Bharat Brand Rice will be made available at a subsidized rate of Rs. 29 per kg through Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF outlets and vary soon through various e-commerce platforms. Given the recent 15% surge in retail grain prices, this scheme is expected to be a significant relief for impoverished consumers. The rice will be packaged in quantities of 5 kg and 10 kg. This article will delve into key aspects of the Bharat Rice Scheme, including its objectives, benefits, necessary documents, and the application process.
‘Bharat’ Rice will be available at Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF outlets in 5 Kg and 10 Kg bags, priced at Rs. 29/kg. This initiative complements the existing sale of ‘Bharat’ Atta and ‘Bharat’ Dal by these agencies.
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Key Highlights | |
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Launch Date | February 06, 2024 |
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Official Website | Food and Public Distribution Official Website |
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Objective | To provide rice at a subsidized rate through various e-commerce platforms |
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Beneficiary | Citizens of India |
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Under which Ministry | Ministry of Food and Public Distribution |
| Bharat Rice Scheme Price Per Kg | Rs 29/kg |
| Bharat Rice Scheme 2024 Availability | At Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, and NCCF outlets |
Also Read: Massive ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ 2023 to Supercharge Government Schemes Across India
Bharat Rice Scheme Features and Advantages
The Bharat Rice Scheme offers rice at a subsidized rate of Rs. 29/kg, presenting an opportunity for economically disadvantaged Indian families to acquire high-quality rice without straining their monthly budgets. Here are the key features and benefits of the scheme:
- Affordable Price: Rice is available under this scheme for Rs. 29/kg.
- Convenient Packaging: The rice is conveniently packed in 5kg and 10kg quantities, catering to the varied needs of consumers.
- Distribution Channels: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) will supply approximately 5 lakh tonnes of rice to entities such as NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar. These organizations will play a crucial role in distributing rice under the scheme.
- Budgetary Relief: By leveraging this scheme, consumers can potentially reduce their monthly food budgets by around 15%, easing financial burdens.
- Curbing Illegal Hoarding: The Bharat Chawal Yojana also contributes to the reduction of illegal hoarding of grains, including wheat and rice, by large-scale traders.
In summary, the Bharat Rice Scheme not only ensures affordable access to rice but also addresses broader issues such as food budget management and the prevention of illegal grain hoarding by major traders.
How and Where to Buy Bharat Rice?
To purchase Bharat Rice at the subsidized rate of Rs. 29/kg through the Bharat Chawal Scheme launched by the Indian government, you have several options:
- Mobile Delivery Vans: Utilize the services of mobile delivery vans deployed for the Bharat Chawal Scheme.
- Multiple E-commerce Platforms: Explore and make purchases through various e-commerce platforms offering Bharat Grains, including Bharat Rice, Bharat Atta, and Bharat Chana.
- Kendriya Bhandar Outlets: Visit Kendriya Bhandar outlets to buy Bharat Rice and other grains under the scheme.
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) Outlets: Purchase Bharat Grains from outlets affiliated with NAFED, which is actively participating in the implementation of the Bharat Chawal Scheme.
- National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF) Outlets: Look for Bharat Grains at outlets operated by the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India.
These diverse options provide accessibility for consumers to avail themselves of the benefits of the Bharat Chawal Scheme and buy essential grains at the affordable rate of Rs. 29/kg.
Who is Eligible for this Scheme?
Every citizen of India is eligible to buy rice at available stores. The government, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), ensures benefits for farmers, over 80 crore beneficiaries under the Targeted Public Distribution System, and other groups. The government procures food grains at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and distributes them free of cost through a vast network of Fair Price Shops.
Important Points
Apart from rice, atta, and dal, the government is actively involved in moderating prices of edible oils. Various measures, including reducing import duties, extending free imports, and monitoring retail prices, have been implemented to ensure affordability for consumers.
The government has also taken steps to stabilize prices through the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), maintaining dynamic buffer stocks of pulses and onions. The PSF has received budgetary support of Rs. 27,489.15 crore since its inception in 2014-15.
| Components | Price |
| Bharat Rice | Rs 29/kg |
| Bharat Wheat | Rs 27.5/kg |
| Bharat Dal | Rs 60/kg |
To address volatility in the market, the government has banned the export of wheat and non-basmati rice and imposed limits on stock holding. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) conducts weekly e-auctions for the sale of wheat, and the government has increased the total amount of wheat offered for sale under OMSS (D).
In addition, the government has ensured timely payment of cane dues to sugarcane farmers, resulting in the lowest cane dues pendency in the sugar sector’s history. Retail prices of sugar in India have seen minimal inflation over the years.
The government continues to monitor and take necessary steps to control prices, with a focus on benefiting farmers, PDS beneficiaries, and ordinary consumers. The commitment includes ensuring minimum support prices for farmers, free rations under PMGKAY, and fair and affordable rates for various essential commodities.
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