Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Pds In Kerala. on 9 February, 2017
Sixteenth Loksabha an> title: Regarding PDS in Kerala.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD): Madam, I would like to place before this House a very serious issue of the food situation in Kerala.… (Interruptions)
From 1965 onwards, Kerala has been implementing statutory rationing system where each card holder may get some quantity of rice, wheat, sugar and kerosene. It was after a continuous struggle that the Central Government has agreed to give sufficient food grains to the States. Though Kerala is a food deficient State, we are producing other items such as cash crops, rubber, tea, coffee, cashew nut, cardamom, etc. … (Interruptions) So the Central Government has agreed to provide sufficient food grains to meet the needs of the people.… (Interruptions)
When the Food Security Act was passed in the Parliament, two States, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, pointed out their problems. Kerala has been implementing a better Public Distribution System with the assistance of the Centre. … (Interruptions) When this Act was passed, we could not get the ration allocation which we have received earlier. We have been receiving 16.50 lakh metric tonnes but now it is reduced to 14.50 lakh metric tonnes.… (Interruptions) There is a reduction of two lakh metric tonnes. This has created various serious problems since the Government is not in a position to proceed with the PDS as it should be implemented. … (Interruptions)
Our Chief Minister and the Food Minister have met the Prime Minister and the Minister of Food requesting the allocation of sufficient food grains. It would be very difficult for the State to continue with the system if the Centre is not assisting our State.
So, we, the MPs from Kerala, request the Government to restore the food quota as we have been receiving.… (Interruptions)
HON. SPEAKER: Adv. Joice George, Dr. A. Sampath and Shrimati P.K. Shreemathi Teacher are permitted to associate with the issue raised by Shri P. Karunakaran.