Date:05/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/05/stories/2008080557731100.htm

National

Centre allocates subsidised imported edible oil for TPDS

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Centre has allotted 93,400 tonnes of imported edible oil (mostly palmolein) a month to 24 States and Union Territories for distribution through the targeted Public Distributed System (TPDS) at subsidised rates. Under the scheme the government will distribute one kg of imported edible oil to each ration cardholder in the Below Poverty Line and Antyodaya Anna Yojna category at a subsidy of Rs. 15 a kg. Each cardholder will get one kg edible oil every month under this scheme.

Andhra Pradesh will get the highest quantum of 20,750 tonnes of palmolein, followed by Maharashtra (18,200 tonnes) and Tamil Nadu (15,500 tonnes). In Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh imported soyabean oil has been allotted. Delhi and Uttarakhand will get soyabean/palmolein oil for distribution under the scheme.

Till July 30, public sector undertakings had contracted 2,59,950 tonnes of edible oil, of which 1,35,395 tonnes landed at various ports. Of these 39,196 tonnes have been packed in pouches and 37,000 tonnes handed over to various States as per their demand, according to the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs.

Union Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution Minister Sharad Pawar formally launched the scheme in Andhra Pradesh on July 28.