The Indian government has rolled out the second phase of its subsidy sales for wheat flour and rice under the 'Bharat' scheme as a respite to consumers amidst rampant inflation in the prices of food items. Here is an overview of the key features of the program:

Cheaper Wheat Flour and Rice Rates

Wheat flour/atta will be sold at Rs 30 per kg and rice will be sold at Rs 34 per kg. Cooperatives like NCCF, Nafed, Kendriya Bhandar, and some e-commerce websites have also been given orders to sell such staple commodities in 5kg and 10kg packs.

Mass Quotas to Bring Markets Under Control End

The government has identified 369,000 tonnes of wheat and 291,000 tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to execute this intervention. According to the Food Minister, Pralhad Joshi, though this is a stopgap measure that will stabilise market prices across India in the short term, relief is offered to these households through this intervention until the stocks run out.

Continuation Till Stocks Run Out

Subsidised sales will continue until available stock is finished," Minister Joshi said. If demand continues, there is sufficient stock to be reallocated. "If more is needed, we have sufficient stock and will again allocate," he confirmed, citing the government's ability to keep food prices stable despite having to face the hardships brought by inflation.

Lower Rice Sales Phase I

Minister Joshi did not think twice before bringing out the views from Phase I, which showed the sales of rice were lower than projected, making the program relief-oriented rather than one that is profitable. If there is a demand from consumers for small pack sizes to be given, he was quick to point out that his administration would not take up such an offer.

Rice Price Volatility Analysis

Even though the national reserve has a rice surplus, the market price has been fluctuating. Minister Joshi has urged that the price firmness of rice be sounded out to check whether consumers get reasonably priced staple grains.

Positive Results from Phase I Fuel Continuation

Phase I of the scheme began in October 2023 and will continue until June 2024. It distributed 15.20 lakh tonnes of wheat flour and 14.58 lakh tonnes of rice. As this govt scheme went well, the government plans to provide this support to people for the long term so that consumers need not suffer because of price volatility.

This extension of the 'Bharat' program reveals that the government is very actively working to support its citizens in times of turmoil by making staple food items accessible and affordable, so the burden of inflation continues not to escalate from millions of people's pockets.

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