Political parties have agreed to give up subsidy accorded to their MPs in Parliament canteens after accepting a suggestion from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The removal of  subsidies will result in saving around Rs 17 crore annually, said official sources, adding that many food items will cost almost double than the current prices once the decision comes into effect.

The price of meals is likely to at least double — a plate of biryani, which now costs Rs 56, is estimated to be sold at Rs 112 after the decision to lift subsidy, around 80%, on food.

The food items in Parliament canteen menu were subsidised to the extent of 80 per cent of their prices. 

The decision was akin to the one taken in 2016 which was, however, not implemented though rates of some foods were increased.

There are currently five canteens in Parliament complex run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.

The IRCTC will fix the price of each item calibrating it with the steep onion prices and submit the same to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, which will then take a final call on it. The removal of  subsidies will result in saving around Rs 17 crore annually, official sources said, adding that many food items will cost almost double than the current prices once the decision comes into effect.

The decision to give up the discount was reached following a meeting the Speaker had with floor leaders of different parties of Business Advisory Committee.

“It was decided in the business advisory committee after Speaker’s initiative. MPs are of the view that it is not appropriate,” said BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is a member of the Business Advisory Committee.

Out of the total subsidy of Rs 17 crore, Rs 14 crore is at present availed by Parliament staff and others who visit the premises while Rs 3 crore is by MPs. 

The price of meals is likely to at least double -- a plate of biryani which now costs Rs 56 is estimated to be at least Rs 112 after the move.