To check rising prices of essential commodities, demanding for a universal distribution system a delegation of Left party leaders met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Prakash Karat, Communist Party of India's S. Sudhakar Reddy, Forward Bloc's Debabrata Biswas and Revolutionary Socialist Party's (RSP) Abani Roy were the part of delegation that met Manmohan Singh at his residence.
After the meeting, CPM leader Prakash Karat said that around five crore tonnes of surplus stocks are available in government godowns (warehouses). These should be distributed universally.
He said the country is facing one of its worst droughts and the government should stop exports and distribute the excess stock to the affected in the drought-hit states at lower prices.
The leaders also called for removal of the distinction between above poverty line (APL) and below poverty line (BPL) categories so that all are entitled to rations under the public distribution system.
The meeting comes after a five-day protest held by four parties demanding food security for all.
It is noted that the Left parties also demanded tabling of the food bill in the monsoon session of parliament starting Aug 8.
(With inputs from IANS)
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