New Delhi, Tuesday, November 04, 2008: Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar reiterated today that the rice quota for Kerala’s APL cardholders can no means be increased in the present situation. The statement from Union Minister Sharad Pawar indicates that the center is in no mood to relent to the repeated demands raised by Kerala MPs and Government.

Earlier, a delegation led by Chief Minister VS Achuthanadan had held protest in New Delhi raising demands to increase rice quota for the State, also the Left MPs from Kerala repeatedly disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha for restoration of the State’s quota of rice through the Public Distribution System (PDS).