Food rates in Parliament canteen raised in view of subsidy row

Revision of tariffs has been undertaken after six years; rates to be reviewed periodically

Food items in the Parliament canteen will be much dearer from tomorrow, with the rates being hiked in varying degrees in view of controversies over the items being served there at subsidised rates.

Accordingly, a veg thali, which earlier cost Rs 18 will now be sold for Rs 30. A non-veg thali will cost Rs 60 instead of Rs 33 earlier. A three-course meal will cost Rs 90 instead of Rs 61 earlier and chicken curry, which earlier cost Rs 29, will be sold for Rs 40.

The revision of the rates, ordered by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, has been undertaken after six years and the rates will be reviewed from time to time, Lok Sabha Secretariat said here today.

The rates have been hiked as there have been controversies from time to time over subsidised food being served in Parliament when there is so much inflation in open market.

"The rates of food items in Parliament canteen have been a matter of discussion in the media from time to time. Keeping this in view, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had directed the Parliament's Food Committee to look into the matter," the Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement.

"After receiving the committee's report, the Speaker has taken a number of decisions, out of which the most important is that the canteen in Parliament will now work on 'no-profit, no-loss' basis," it added.

"Accordingly, the rates of various food items have been increased and these would be sold at the actual cost of making... This will be effective from tomorrow," the statement said.

As per the decision, during the day, limited food items would be prepared so that there is no wastage and costs can be kept under check.

Also, tea/coffee vending machine will also be placed so that there is little burden on the manpower.

"This rate hike will apply to MPs, officials of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, media persons, security personnel as well as visitors," the statement said.