Mon Sep 16 15:12:03 UTC 2024: ## Government to Relaunch “Bharat” Brand Food Items to Combat Inflation

**New Delhi:** The Indian government is set to relaunch the “Bharat” brand of essential food items, including rice, wheat flour (atta), and select pulses, in October, in a bid to combat rising food inflation.

The decision was reportedly taken by a panel of ministers last week, following concerns over escalating food prices. The Consumer Affairs Ministry, which oversees the price stabilization fund scheme, will oversee the relaunch program. Food Minister Pralhad Joshi is expected to inaugurate the initiative in October.

The “Bharat” brand was previously introduced to offer subsidized food items to consumers. While the program was discontinued for rice and atta in June, the government is bringing it back with revised prices. Bharat dal (chana) will now be sold at ₹70/kg, up from ₹60/kg previously. Bharat dal (moong) will remain unchanged at ₹107/kg, and Bharat dal (masur) will be newly introduced at ₹89/kg. The price of Bharat rice is set at ₹340/10kg bag, and Bharat atta will be priced at ₹300/10 kg bag.

These price adjustments are being implemented alongside measures to ensure sufficient supplies and control inflation. The government has recently granted concessions to onion and Basmati rice exporters and extended the validity of duty-free yellow pea imports until December 31. Additionally, wheat stock limits have been lowered.

These initiatives aim to address the rising cost of essential food items, which has contributed to a slight increase in retail inflation. Vegetable and fruit prices have surged, pushing the retail inflation rate to 3.7 percent in August, up from 3.6 percent in July. The rate is expected to rise further in September.

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