We have committed on MSP, we will do it: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Government will keep the promise of giving 1.5 times minimum support price (MSP) to farmers as declared in BJP's election manifesto, senior minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today.
"As far as MSP (minimum support price) is concerned, it is our commitment and we are doing it," said Prasad, Minister for Telecom and IT, at an Aaj Tak event here.
He was responding to questions raised by Aam Aadmi Party leader Yogendra Yadav during discussion on budget.
Yadav said BJP in its election manifesto had promised to provide 1.5 times MSP on crop price to farmers.
He said that BJP had clearly stated that if Rs 100 is cost of produce, they will add Rs 50 as profit and provide MSP of Rs 150 to farmers.

"About four days ago, their government filed affidavit in court saying that it is not possible to give 1.5 times MSP," Yadav said.

The AAP leader also said that BJP government is Haryana has issued notice on land acquisition promising compensation equal to same as market rate against 4 times being promised by leaders of BJP.
Prasad said he is not aware of the notice as he insisted that no notification can be issued in contrast with provisions in Land Acquisition Bill passed by the Parliament.
"If there is something like this, I will have to hear stand of Haryana government," Prasad said.

"Had I known that Mr Yadav will start quoting affidavit or notice, I would have gathered information on the same and responded," Prasad said.
The Minister said that under the new government, prices have come down, foreign direct investment has gone up by 28 per cent and investment proposals of over Rs 20,000 crore in electronics manufacturing sector has come.
"I have cleared investment proposals of about Rs 6,000 crore. Investors' mood is positive now," Prasad said.
He said that government has successfully opened over 13 crore accounts under Jan Dhan scheme for poor in short span of time.
Minister said that his government has taken opposition in confidence for FDI in insurance bill and they should support in clearing of bill in the Parliament rather than making it an ego issue.

NCP leader Praful Patel said his party will support FDI in insurance bill but Congress leader Salman Khurshid demanded apology from BJP leaders for obstructing bill without genuine reason when UPA was in power.