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Food subsidy cut deferred |
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The coming Assembly elections in five states later this year appear to have been a major factor in the Government’s decision to put on hold the move to curtail foodgrains supply through the public distribution system and raise prices for those above the poverty line. Significantly, the Congress itself joined the demand of its allies for a roll back of the Cabinet decision. Faced with all round pressure, Agriculture and Food Minister Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday, Jan. 10, that the decision had been stayed for the time being.
Earlier, the CPI(M) had termed the subsidy cut move as a “betrayal which would hit hundreds of millions of people” at a time when nutritional deficiencies are on the increase.
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