Days of biriani at ₹65 ends, Parliament issues new rate list as subsidy ends after 70 years

Jan. 28: Till now, a chapatti costed Rs 2, while Rs 65 would fetch you a plate of Hyderabadi Chicken biryani, and Rs 10 a kadi pakora in the canteen of Indian Parliament. The subsidized rates at the canteen in Indian Parliament since independence has been a major issue of criticism. After 74 years, the union government has now decided to put end to the subsidised food available for the parliamentarians.

The subsidies in these canteens had long been a contentious issue and the government had reduced them a few years ago following a hue and cry after it came to light that Parliament canteens were being subsidised to the extent of 80 per cent of the cost.

In a unanimous decision, the Members of Parliament on Thursday decided to not avail of any subsidy at the Parliament canteen. Sources said the parliamentarians decided to let go of the subsidy after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla mooted a suggestion in the regard. Sources said the savings could add up to almost Rs 17 crores annually once the practice to provide subsidised food at the Parliament canteen stops.

Ahead of the Budget Session, the Parliament canteen has issued a new rate list that breaks away from the days of subsidised food at throwaway price. As per new rate list, issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, a chapatti will now cost Rs 3 (the cheapest item) and the menu will stretch on to include a non-veg buffet worth Rs 700. Price of a veg buffet has been set as Rs 500. In the new rate list, a plate of chicken biryani, chicken cutlet, chicken fry or a veg thali will all cost Rs 100 each, while you would have to shell out Rs 75 for chicken curry. Masala Dosa and Kadhi Pakora will cost ₹50 and ₹30 respectively.

There are currently five canteens in the Parliament complex. Speaker Om Birla said the Parliament canteens will now be run by Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in place of the Northern Railways. The new rates will come into effect from January 29 when the Budget Session starts.