Foodgrain being sold in open market: Sami

Indore, May 20 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayan Sami today alleged that 45 per cent of foodgrain meant for public distribution system was being sold in open market in Madhya Pradesh.

Addressing a joint press conference with State Congress President here, Mr Sami warned the BJP Government that the Centre would take action if it was not stopped.

Pointing out that the Centre was providing money for 14 schemes but 30 per cent beneficiaries had not not receiving their due, Mr Sami said he would take permission to visit various states.

He would review works done under central schemes in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

Replying to a question about inflation, Mr Sami alleged that non-Congress state governments were not taking action against black marketers and hoarders. The Centre has cut down import duties and inflation would be controlled soon.

He said efforts of the Centre had brought down prices of iron and cement.

Mr Sami said Madhya Pradesh has been allocated more amount under various central schemes and thus, allegations of discrimination were baseless. He said guidelines under the National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme were being ignored in the state.

The Congress leader claimed terrorism increased during the rule of previous NDA Government. As such, the NDA had no right to speak over this.

On the demand for woman Chief Minister by the state Mahila Congress, Mr Sami said women, youths and other units had the right to raise their demand but the party would chose elected representative after the polls.

All India Mahila Congress President Prabha Thakur said a decision would be taken in accordance with the directions of the party leadership.

She said 33 per cent Women's Reservation Bill has been brought in the Rajya Sabha so that it could not be cancelled after the general election. The previous government's decision to present it in the House just before election was merely an eyewash.

UNI AA-PS GL NS2333