13 lakh families covered under 'atta dal scheme': Minister

Chandigarh, Mar 14 (UNI) The Punjab government is covering about 13.57 lakh families under the 'atta dal scheme', aimed at providing subsidised wheat and pulses to the poor families.

This information was given to the state assembly by Cooperatives Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh while replying to a querry during question hour.

Raising the issue Sukhpal Singh Khaira (Cong) wanted to now the loan raised or returned by the Marfed for the scheme together with the interest paid.

The Minister said that Markfed had raised bank loans of Rs 250 crore in the shape of cash credit limit against hypothecation of wheat stocks under the scheme at the interest rate of 11.25 per cent per annum. The state government has accorded guarantee against the loan, he added.

Capt Singh said that an amount of Rs 71.73 crore had been returned to the bank, including the interest. He assured the member that Markfed would not suffer a loss on account of this loan.

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