(a) whether the Union Government has received any request from the Government of Kerala
regarding extension of edible oil subsidy to coconut oil; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Union Government thereto?
(a) whether the Union Government has received any request from the Government of Kerala
regarding extension of edible oil subsidy to coconut oil; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Union Government thereto?
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): Yes, Madam.
(b): The Government had implemented a ‘Scheme for distribution of subsidised imported edible
oils through States/UTs’ during 2008-09. The Central subsidy had been Rs. 15/- per kg till
January 2009 and thereafter Rs. 25/- per kg of imported edible oil handed over to the States
for distribution under the Scheme. The Scheme ended on 31.3.2009. The Government of Kerala
had requested that the same rate of subsidy be given for coconut oil. The Government of Kerala
was informed that the ‘Scheme for distribution of edible oils’ is restricted to edible oils
imported by PSUs and supplied to the States/UTs for distribution to increase domestic
availability and stabilize prices and that the Scheme had no provision to subsidise domestic
oils.