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207Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009ban it. We are seriously raising this issue again and we want a verycategorical answer as to why it has not been done. If the Governmenthas some other answer to overcome it, we would not have raised thispoint. But we find that the basic reason is not being taken care of.Moreover, no action has been taken against the profiteers. When therecent potato crisis was there, we found that tons of potatoes werestored safely under the care of some hoarders. Then, the Governmentcame with the plea that they did not have adequate law in their handsto take out all those potatoes from the godowns and all these things.There are so many excuses. There may be some genuine reasons also.But apparently it seems that we are bowing down to the nature. Weare taking the name of the droughts or the floods or inadequatemonsoon. But the point comes is, if these adverse circumstancescontinue, what would be the fate of the people? We are bowing downto the nature. We don't have the power to overcome nature'sadversities. Sir, the other day, we noted that the hon. Finance Ministeralso stated that to overcome the problem, the PDS has to bestrengthened. May I ask the hon. Minister what steps have been taken?Our hon. Agriculture, Food and Supply Minister is here. Everything is inhis hands. So, what steps have been taken to strengthen the PDS? Itis the artificial barrier between BPL and APL. It should also go. TheGovernment must come forward to give more subsidies, particularly forthese food items and other essential items. If necessary, even half ofthe total Budget should be spent for protection of these millions ofhungry people. (Time-bell) So, all we say is, not only the price rise is amatter of concern, but we also find that the Government is indifferent