Cabinet approves use of pulses buffer stock to meet nutrition demand

New Delhi, Nov 10: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved utilisation of a part of the central buffer stock of pulses "to meet protein component" under various schemes to provide nutrition to various target groups and beneficiaries.

The central pulses stock is maintained by the Consumer Affairs Ministry.

This approval means adequate supply of nutrients under the various government schemes and programmes including Mid Day Meal scheme was ensured, as per a release. 

The committee also said the cost of pulses supplied to states would not be higher than the market price in order to protect their interest.

The objective of the approval is to enable the concerned departments to ensure utilisation of pulses from the buffer "as in 'kind' component of the Centre's contribution in such schemes, in lieu of its financial contribution of equivalent amount".

In order to implement the decision, the committee has empowered the concerned departments to carry out suitable amendments in their schemes and guidelines, the release said.

Supply of pulses from the central buffer would commence as per the the requirement.

The Centre has created the buffer of up to 20 lakh tonnes to discourage market manipulation and provide cushion against price rise to consumers.