(a) whether the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has urged the Government to withdraw the increased 20 percent levy in the new season starting October 2010;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for such demand alongwith the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): Although, no specific request has been received from Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) to withdraw 20 percent levy from new sugar season starting on 1st October, 2010, in the recent past, the ISMA has been requesting to the Government to lower the levy obligation on sugar factories in view of higher estimates of sugar production in 2009-10 season (October-September) and 2010-11 season.
(c): The Government will take a considered decision at an appropriate time.