The State Cabinet hear on Tuesday approved the incentive and upgradation amount to be given for milling of paddy procured in the state in Kharif marketing year 2023-24. According to the decision, milling amount of Rs 10 per quintal and incentive amount of Rs 50 per quintal will be provided. Also, upgradation amount of Rs. 40 per quintal will be provided on delivery of 20% to FCI and Rs. 120 per quintal on delivery of 40% to FCI.
This will give impetus to the milling of paddy procured from farmers. Along with ensuring supply of rice under public distribution system and other welfare schemes, the quantity of surplus rice in addition to the requirement of the state will be delivered to the central pool at a rapid pace.
The Cabinet has approved to provide 40% state share amount of about Rs. 6 thousand crore to the electricity distribution companies in the form of share capital/grant in place of loan under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme issued by the Government of India.
According to the decision, the state share amount will be provided to the electricity distribution companies of the state in the form of share capital by the state government in place of loan for construction/development works of basic infrastructure related to upgradation of distribution infrastructure, reduction in distribution losses and distribution system strengthening and modernization. Under the scheme, the state share given to the distribution companies as updated loan will also be converted into share capital. Under the scheme, the amount of SGST payable on the central share will also be made available by the state government to the distribution companies as grant. This will speed up the work of installing smart meters in the state.
It is noteworthy that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) has been implemented to develop a financially viable and operationally efficient distribution sector for the purpose of quality and reliable power supply to the consumers. The scheme provides for the Central Government to provide 15% amount for pre-paid smart meters and system metering and 60% amount for power infrastructure development to the power distribution companies as grant.