The Left parties intend to raise a demand for increasing the quantum of rice sold to each beneficiary through the public distribution system (PDS) from 10 kg to 30 kg. If they have their way at todays meeting of the United Front Steering Committee, the Left leaders may allow the government to raise the prices of petroleum products. However, in any case, they are likely to register their disagreement with an increase in petroleum prices.
CPI general-secretary A B Bardhan yesterday asked reporters why they were not asking about increases in PDS quotas and focusing only on petroleum prices. If these were raised, he said, it would have a cascading effect on the prices of other products. So poor consumers would have to be given a cushion through an increase in the amount of rice sold through the PDS. CPI (M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury echoed the view. Both the leaders added that the decision on increasing petroleum prices would have to be taken by the cabinet in any case. Senior Left leaders indicated that they would not raise the issue themselves, unless the government brought the issue to the standing committee, and perhaps from there to the steering committee. Both the meetings are scheduled for today.
Although the Left is intent on prising a larger amount of grain through the PDS, the government may not find it possible.
Minister of state for food & civil supplies Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said a few days ago that the requisite amount of rice was not available.
He suggested that a via media could be found, with some increases for consumers below the poverty line. Otherwise, he said, the government would have to find additional subsidies for the PDS.
Since Singh belongs to Laloo Prasad Yadavs Rashtriya Janata Dal, which the Left has attacked strongly, he may be even less inclined to accede to their demands.
