The Centre has decided it would not reimburse the states for <g data-gr-id="20">unsubsidised</g> LPG cylinders used for Mid-Day Meal scheme and that the cooking gas would now be available only at market price, triggering protests and fears that it will “adversely” impact the flagship programme.
Concerned over the additional financial burden the move would have on their coffers, some states are planning to send representation to the HRD Ministry. According to a recent communication from the HRD Ministry, “Additional expenditure to be incurred by the states for procurement of unsubsidised LPG cylinders will not be reimbursed to the states with effect from April 1, 2015.”
The decision followed a Finance Ministry directive in May that LPG cylinders procured for Mid-Day Meal purpose would now be available at <g data-gr-id="24">market</g> price only.
Earlier, the central government reduced <g data-gr-id="23">allocation</g> for the flagship programme by 30 <g data-gr-id="17">per cent</g> in this year’s budget. Reacting to the decision, an official in the HRD Ministry pointed to the cuts in the central allocation for many social sector schemes because of devolution of funds to the states. The HRD Ministry had reimbursed additional expenditure incurred by the states during 2012-13 and 2013-14 for <g data-gr-id="22">procurement</g> of unsubsidised LPG cylinders under the scheme with the concurrence of the Finance Ministry. “It will adversely impact the scheme,” said P K Shahi, the HRD Minister of Bihar, where 1.38 crore students are covered under the programme.
“You are creating a situation under which without indulging in corruption, it would be impossible to
serve the programme,” he said, lamenting that the development has come at a time when inflations are high and the states are not being adequately supported to match the requirements.