(a) the number of fertilizer units availing the subsidy and the amount
of subsidy given to each of them during each of the last three years
and the current year; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government to rationalize the subsidy
structure and increase competition among them, so as to achieve higher
levels of efficiency?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENEDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF
STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS(SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) There are 130 units including 80 units for SSP availing the subsidy.
Subsidy given to each of them during each of last three years and current year
are shown in Annexure I and II.
(b) The Government is trying to rationalize the subsidy structure by
introduction of the Nutrient Based subsidy (NBS). The NBS has been in operation
for P&K fertilizers since April, 2010. Briefly, the scheme envisages fixation of
subsidy on the basis of nutrient content of N, P, K, S and micro nutrients in
respect of Potassic and Phosphatic fertilizers (NPK). While the subsidy is
fixed, with the Government retaining the option to intervene in case the prices
fluctuate beyond reasonable value. This is the first step in ensuring competitive
pricing by companies.