Information and Broadcasting Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said Mr Chidambaram was visiting the USA on an official tour and a decision on rabi foodgrain prices would be taken soon.The Agriculture Ministry had proposed an MSP of Rs 750, plus bonus for higher wheat procurement, while the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) had recommended Rs 700 as MSP.
The Finance Ministry was in favour of implementing the CACP recommendations as any enhancement in MSP would be difficult to revert even in the situation of high wheat production, sources said.
The Cabinet also approved the National Bamboo Mission at a cost of Rs 568.23 crore, with 100 per cent assistance of the Centre, including an outlay of Rs 91.37 crore during 2006-07 (10th Plan) and its implementation during this financial year and the next four years of the 11th Plan.
The Cabinet also cleared a proposal of the Shipping Ministry to set up a non-intrusive system for scanning containers at Mumbai, Chennai, Tuticorin and Kandla ports to enhance the capability of the Customs Department.
The Cabinet approved procurement through a global tender of four fixed X-ray and three mobile gamma-ray container scanners at a cost of Rs 172.94 crore for installation.
The government extended the term of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities by five months till March 31, 2007.
It had been set up to suggest criteria for the identification of socially and economically backward sections among these groups.
The decision to extend the commission’s term would enable it to interact effectively with those concerned and concretise its recommendations in a meaningful, practical and pragmatic way, Mr Dasmunsi said.
