Cong demands CBI probe into sugar import

NEW DELHI, SEPT 6: The Congress today demanded a CBI probe into role of State agencies in import of sugar from Pakistan and wheat from Australia this year, when the country had excess domestic production warranting no imports.

Talking to newspersons, Congress spokesperson Kapil Sibal ridiculed Prime Minister A B Vajpayee’s claim that sugar imports were done by private traders as the commodities had come under open general license and sugar, in fact, was canalised into the country by the State-owned Project Equipment Corporation (PEC) throughout last year.

Citing a specific instance, Sibal said the PEC as a canalising agency has imported sugar for a company called JS Overseas from Pakistan in March and April this year and hence, the Prime Minister’s claim that the Government had no knowledge did not wash.

The Congress spokesperson said the Government had also resorted to large scale import of wheat from Australia, ignoring the suggestion from the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN.