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Government discusses ways to implement MSP scheme
New Delhi, March 9 (IANS) The government on Friday discussed various ways to implement the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for different agricultural crops in light of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s budget announcement of fixing the MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production.
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar held a consultation meeting over the issue with Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat which was also attended by officials of the Central and state governments.
During the meeting, three concepts were discussed to put in place a “fool-proof mechanism” for implementing the MSP.
“The first option related to Market Assurance Scheme, which proposes procurement by states and compensation of losses up to a certain extent of MSP after the procurement and price realisation out of sale of the procured produce,” a NITI Aayog statement said.
It added that the second option related to price deficiency procurement scheme.
“Under this scheme, if the sale price is below a modal price then the farmers may be compensated to the difference between MSP and actual price subject to a ceiling which may not exceed 25 per cent of the MSP. No compensation would be due if modal price in neighbouring states is above the MSP,” it said.
The third option related to Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme, which relates to procurement by private entrepreneurs at MSP and government providing some policy and tax incentives and a commission to such private entities.
It said that the commission and the tax incentives could be decided on the basis of some transparent criteria.
MOS Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said more than one options may be adopted by the states depending upon their conditions.
However, all the three options may not be implemented for the same crop, he said.
In India, MSP for 24 agricultural commodities of Kharif and Rabi season are announced by the government based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agriculture Cost and Prices.
However, procurement by Central and state agencies is limited to rice and wheat and some amount of coarse cereals.
The government also procures limited quantity of oil seed and pulses through various agencies.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.