Oppn alleges scam in sugar imports, Pawar refutes charge

CPM member Brinda Karat alleged that government agencies have played a “dubious” role by not importing sugar and leaving it to the private traders. This led to a huge uproar as P J Kurien, who was in the chair, tried repeatedly to bring the House in order.

The hour-long reply by Pawar saw frequent interruptions and shouting of slogans by the Opposition which said the minister was not addressing the concerns raised by them specifically with regard to sugar prices and the issue price of commodities distributed through PDS.

Pawar, who was replying to a short duration discussion on the rising prices, said: “Not a single kg of sugar was imported by the Government.”

Claiming that prices of some of the essential commodities like pulses, flour, potato and onion have declined, Pawar said the government had raised the Minimum Support Price for wheat and rice by over 70 pc in the last five years and some impact was unavoidable on inflation.

Pawar said the government has taken several steps to contain prices of essential commodities and was willing to take more measures in the direction.
Sugar prices in the last one year have more than doubled in the retail market and are currently ruling above Rs 43 a kg.