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03.08.2010
cover 85 per cent people of our country who are considered to be poor, vulnerable
and middle-class people. For that how much money is required. We have worked
out and it comes to Rs. 1,20,000 crore. If you spend that money, you will be able
to provide not only food grains, but also other essential commodities at a
subsidized rate.
In this year’s Budget, the subsidy on food stood at Rs. 52,000 crore. You
are providing Rs. 52,000 crore as food subsidy. By deducting Rs. 52,000 crore,
you need Rs. 68,000 crore more. If the Government could spend Rs. 68,000 crore
in addition what they are spending during this year as a food subsidy, then this
entire 80 per cent of the people, that means, 85 crore people, can be covered. In
other words, thirty crore families who are vulnerable, below the poverty line and
belong to lower middle-class can be covered. For that, that money is required. The
Government has the money, but because of their anti-people policy, as they are
following a new liberal policy and because of that, the price of petrol has been
deregulated. Now, the people of our country have been left to the market forces.
The Prime Minister has stated that it has been done in the interest of the country. It
will be not only confined to the price of petrol, but also the price of diesel will be
deregulated as per the recommendations of the Kirit Parikh Committee.
What are the recommendations of this Kirit Parikh Committee?
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : There are some suggestions to make and I will
take five minutes.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude in two minutes because there is no time. I
have already given you seven minutes extra time.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Please give me five more minutes.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please conclude fast.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA: That Committee recommended that prices of all
petroleum products should be deregulated, and the price of LPG should be
increased by Rs. 100, and Kerosene by Rs. 18. The Minister of Petroleum and
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