MNF Demands Rollback on PDS Food Grain Price Hike

The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) called for the Zoram People's Movement government in Mizoram to reverse its decision to raise food grain prices in the public distribution system. The government plans to reduce the subsidy, increasing the cost for non-NFSA households, a move criticized by MNF for its potential adverse impact on the majority of households.

The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) on Tuesday urged the Zoram People's Movement government to retract its decision to hike food grain prices in the public distribution system (PDS).

The Lalduhoma government announced a reduction in the PDS subsidy on food grains for beneficiaries not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), cutting it from Rs 25 to Rs 10 per kg of rice. This decision will escalate the price of subsidized rice from Rs 15 to Rs 30 per kg for non-NFSA households.

MNF Legislature Party leader Lalchhandama Ralte condemned the hike as "unilateral" and made without any consultation with opposition parties or other stakeholders.

"Considering the public's plight and needs, the MNF strongly opposes the government's decision to double the food grain price in rations. This increase will adversely affect the majority of households benefiting from the public distribution system," Ralte stated.

Ralte also alleged that the state government removed 85 families in Phuldungsei village under the Hachhek assembly constituency on the Mizoram-Tripura border from the state's ration card list.

Officials from the supply department were unavailable for comment on this issue.