W Bengal assembly delegation calls on Pawar

New Delhi, Aug 11 (UNI) An all-party delegation of the West Bengal legislative assembly, led by State's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sailen Sarkar, called on Union Agriculture and Food Minister Sharad Pawar and submitted a memorandum requesting him to increase the price of levy rice as the costs of most items have gone up.

They also suggested lowering down of outturn ratio since the overall weather condition in West Bengal were, by and large, not conducive enough to the Government's prescribed norm of 68 per cent of paddy to rice. An expert committee of IIT Kharagpur has reportedly suggested that the ratio be brought down to 65 per cent for the State. If this ratio is accepted, the rural economy of West Bengal may get a boost, said Mr Sarkar told a news conference after submitting the memorandum.

He said the delegation has also suggested strengthening of Public Distribution system (PDS) by increasing the quantity of allotment of wheat and kerosene.

He said they have also pleaded for the construction of more FCI godowns in convenient locations, including renovation/repairing of the existing godowns.

He said Mr Pawar has agreed to consider the construction of godowns in the uncovered area/convenient location on the basis of the joint report of the FCI and the State Government. He said the Agriculture Minister has also agreed to review the position by constituting an expert committee comprising technical experts of IIT Kharagpur and representative of the State Government.

The delegation had earlier met Union Water Resources Minister Prof Saifuddin Soz and discussed the problem of soil erosion and flood control issues. They requested the Water Resources Minister for providing full central assistance in the form of grant for completing eleven long-standing flood control projects of the State.

The delegation also held a meeting with Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and submitted a memorandum on proposed withdrawal of Railways' share for construction of Urban Railway Transport system, including Road Over bridge/ Road Under bridge projects in the State.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee had a luncheon meeting with the delegation at his South block office where Mr Mukherjee and Information Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi both assured the delegation to take up the State's cause with the Centre.

Mr Mukherjee advised the delegation to prioritize their demands and accordingly they should meet the ministers concerned to impress upon their demands and this whole process should be completed by November this year when the discussion for the Eleventh plan would start.

He also suggested to them that the State Chief Minister himself should be chief of that delegation, Mr Sarkar added.

UNI BKS RL GC1832