With the ruling BJD finalising strategy to hold State-wide demonstrations against the Centre over the cut in rice quota to the State, Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ramvilas Paswan on Wednesday hit out at the State Government for politicising the issue for an increase in rice quota under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
“The Centre had never refused State’s demand. The centre is planning to implement the increased quota from June this year,” said Paswan. The statement of Paswan came after Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan his in this regard.
“Pradhan urged me to increase the quota of rice in comparison to wheat from 79:21 to 85:15. He had also earlier drawn my attention to the issue and we had already constituted a committee. From June, increased quota rice will be provided to the State,” said Paswan.
Urging the State Government not to politicise the matter, Paswan said, “When the BJD MPs met me, I told them that a committee is being constituted and we will look into the matter. However, the ruling party has called for a bandh over the matter. This is absolute politicisation of the issue. We have not slashed the quantity of food grains and are continuing to provide the same.”
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan too slammed the State Government over the proposed demonstration and said the attempt is to only cover up the chit fund and water scarcity issue.