Govt yet to decide on SC suggestion on grains for APL families

The government today said that it has not yet made up its mind on the Supreme Court's suggestion to discontinue providing subsidised foodgrains to families above poverty line.

The government on Wednesday said that it has not yet made up its mind on the Supreme Court's suggestion to discontinue providing subsidised foodgrains to families above poverty line (APL).

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"The main issue, which I have read from newspapers, is what is the government's view on subsidised foodgrains to APL. Of course, we have not taken any view yet," Food Minister Sharad Pawar told scribes on the sidelines of a function here.

The apex court had, on July 27, suggested that the government consider discontinuing supply of subsidised grains to APL families and, instead, restrict the facility to those below poverty line in view of growing corruption and pilferage in the existing Public Distribution System.

"The Supreme Court has sought our reaction. We haven't taken any view," Pawar said.

Stating that the President of India had spoken about the Food Security Bill during her address at the joint Parliament session, Pawar said she had only made a mention about providing subsidised food at Rs 3 per kg of rice and wheat for below poverty line families.

"On that line, ultimately we have to take a final view," he added.

Pawar said that his ministry was expecting suggestions from the National Advisory Council on the issue, and would be happy to discuss the matter with representatives of state governments and the ministries concerned.

"Then, the (Food) ministry will take some definite view and come before the Parliament," he said, declining to give any time-frame in this regard.

"From our side, we have discussed the issue with Food Secretaries from different states. We have also got some views from different ministries. But, we are just waiting for some other suggestions," Pawar added.