Launch of subsidy scheme postponed in naxal zone

The subsidized chana (gram) scheme for poor people in the 'red zone' has fallen prey to naxal violence as the Chhattisgarh government had postponed scheme's launch.

Under the scheme, gram would be given at a subsidized price of Rs 5 per kg, to families living below poverty line (BPL). The beneficiary would get one kilogram of gram every month.

Initially, the scheme was to cover poor people in Bastar region only. Around 450,000 families in Bastar were listed for the scheme which was designed after the success of subsidized rice scheme in the state.

After introducing it in Bastar, the government has planned to expand it in other parts of the state.

The state government had decided to launch of the scheme in Jagdalpur, the divisional headquarters of Bastar, today. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj had been invited as the chief guest. “The launch was postponed in wake of naxal attack on Chhattisgarh policemen, on the border of Chhattisgarh and Orissa, on Monday,” government's official spokesperson said.

In the incident, nine policemen including an additional superintendent of police were killed.