Discount on pulses will ensure nutritious diet to poor kids: BJP

The BJP today welcomed the Centre's decision to provide a discount of Rs 15 per kg on pulses over wholesale market price to states, saying it is for the welfare of the poor and will ensure nutritious diet to poor kids.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendea Modi-headed Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to sell nearly 3.5 million tonnes of pulses to states at Rs 15 per kg lower price than the wholesale rate for distribution under PDS and other welfare schemes, costing exchequer Rs 5,237 crore.

"This decision will directly benefit the poor and will strengthen the public distribution system in states. It will help in a big way in providing nutritious food to the poor, especially children," BJP's National Media In-charge Anil Baluni said in a statement.

He also said the party is grateful to the prime minister for taking this step for the welfare of the poor.

He said the Cabinet's decision to revise and continue post-matric scholarships for students belonging to Other Backward Classes will be a big boost to the students belonging to the section.

Since 2014, the Modi government is taking steps for overall development and to improve quality of life of the people in the country.