Consumerfed has announced the launch of ‘Nanma Scheme', the first non-subsidised Co-operative Public Distribution System in the country.
Under the scheme, 10 essential commodities including rice, sugar and coconut oil will be sold to consumers at 20 per cent discount throughout the year.
The Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, will officially launch the scheme at a function in Thiruvananthapuram on April 18.
Consumerfed President, Mr Joy Thomas, and Managing Director, Dr Riji G. Nair, said the programme, which receives no Government subsidy, is the first phase of an ambitious project to introduce an all-encompassing co-operative distribution network to serve consumers.
The federation plans to open 2,000 Nanma stores initially and hopes to expand the network to 10,000 stores in the next five years. Around 1,500 stores will be run by co-operative organisations, 220 through the Triveni chains and 280 run directly by Consumerfed.
An estimated Rs 5 lakh is required to set up each Nanma store, while Rs 3 lakh will be earmarked for establishing basic facilities, besides Rs 2 lakh for stock. The federation expects a sale between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 every day at these stores.
The officials pointed out that Consumerfed has not sought any subsidy from the Central or State Governments to sell items at discounted rates. However, it has applied for mobilisation funds to cover the cost of godowns, offices, transport vehicles and other basic facilities needed for the successful implementation of the scheme.