Chhattisgarh opts to remain out of cash transfer scheme

RAIPUR: Amidst protests by Congress members, Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Friday passed a resolution urging the Centre to keep the state out of the purview of the direct cash subsidy transfer scheme.

Food and Civil Supply Minister Punnulal Mohile tabled the motion requesting Centre not to include Chhattisgarh in the purview of the scheme, which envisages transfer of cash subsidy directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.

Mohile noted the banking penetration in state's tribal areas was not conducive enough for the launch of the scheme, and asserted that the present system was the "only viable and convenient option" for access to food grains in rural areas.

Opposing the move, Congress state unit president Nand Kumar Patel said not implementing the cash transfer scheme will encourage hoarding of foodgrains. After the discussion, when Speaker Dharamlal Kaushik was declaring the approval of resolution, the opposition members staged a walkout saying they were unsatisfied with it.

Congress MLA Mohammad Akbar, citing benefits of the scheme, opposed the resolution, following which the party members staged a walkout. Later, the motion was adopted by majority of ruling BJP members.