The Kerala State Cooperative Consumers Federation Ltd (Consumerfed) will launch ‘Nanma' network of non-subsidised cooperatives for public distribution.

The Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, will announce the launch on Wednesday, said Mr Joy Thomas, chairman, and Dr Raji Nair, managing director, Consumerfed.

These stores will sell essential commodities, including rice, sugar and coconut oil at 20 per cent discount to open market prices throughout the year.

The Assembly Speaker, Mr G. Karthikeyan, will announce the opening of 2,000 school markets and sale of Triveni notebooks through the network.

The primary cooperatives in the State are expected to set up 1,500 Nanma stores, Dr Raji Nair said. Apart from this, 220 will be run through the existing Triveni fair-price shops and another 280 directly under Consumerfed in the first phase.

Expansion plans

The network will be expanded to 10,000 stores in the next five years. Initially, 10 essential commodities will be available for sale. Goods now being sold through the Neethi stores will be made available at Nanma stores.

Cosmetics, stationery and fast moving consumer goods too will be available at cheaper rates. The goal is to enlarge the list of goods to 350 items.

The price list will be published in the media in the first week of every month. Changes in the open market rates will get duly reflected.

REGULATED SALES

Sales will be regulated through ration cards. Jaya rice, Kuruva rice, Matta rice, sugar, raw rice, coconut oil, chilli, coriander, pulses, and black gram will be sold in this manner.

Consumerfed also intends to launch mobile Triveni stores in all Assembly constituencies along with more floating stores, Dr Raji Nair said. The federation will strengthen presence in the health and education sectors, too.

vinson@thehindu.co.in

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