Question : NORMS FOR ALLOTMENT OF LEVY SUGAR

(a) whether the Government has laid down certain norms for the allotment of levy sugar to various States under the Public Distribution System (PDS);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether a discriminatory policy is being followed in the allotment of levy sugar to some States including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the effected States have taken up the issue with Union Government to ensure regular allocation; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)

(a)&(b): With effect from 01.02.2001, the allotment of levy sugar is made on the basis of fixed norms of ensuring minimum 500 grams per capita availability for the projected population as on 1.3.2000.

(c)&(d): Since the levy percentage has been reduced to 10% of the domestic production, w.e.f. 1.2.2001, the availability of sugar for levy allocation varies depending upon the levels of domestic production, as such, it has not been possible to supply levy sugar as per the fixed levy quota to each State/UT. Accordingly, due to fall in sugar production in 2003-04 and 2004-05 sugar seasons, the levy quota of many States including the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Maharashtra was reduced in August, 2005.

(e)&(f): The State Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Maharashtra requested for restoration of levy quota and their full State quotas has since been restored.