ATM News Network, New Delhi, 14th October 2020: Under its scheme titled "Operation Greens – TOP to Total," Indian Railways extended a subsidy of 50 per cent on transportation of notified fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail trains, according to the Ministry of Railways order issued on Tuesday. Notably, the scheme was approved in June. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) extended the Operation Greens Scheme from Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) to all fruits and vegetables (TOTAL) for a period of six months on a pilot basis as part the Centre Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
According to the Ministry of Railways order, “Once this corpus has been utilised, Indian Railways will provide a Utilization Certificate to MoFPI, and MOFPI will provide additional funds to Railways. Zonal Railways are, therefore, requested to extend a subsidy of 50% on transportation of notified fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail trains – with immediate effect.”
“Full details of the subsidy granted (including consignor, consignee, train number, P-way Bill number, and amount) shall be maintained by the Railways – so that proper and timely account may be ensured,” it said. The order further said the Chief Parcel Supervisor of the loading station will be responsible for ensuring that only the notified commodities are extended the benefits of this scheme, adding that further modalities for accounts, etc are being finalized and will be communicated shortly.