Prime Minister Manmpohan Singh, responding just days after the Supreme Court rapped the government for not distributing free foodgrains to the poor, as directed by it, said the apex court should not get into “the realm of policy formulation”.

The PM’s response came during an interaction with newspaper editors at his 7, Race Course Road residence here on Monday. The top court’s directive came last week when food minister Sharad Pawar got a rap on his knuckles for stating that the SC order on distribution of free foodgrains to the poor, instead of allowing it to rot, was difficult to implement.
On Monday, the PM rose to his defence, saying where policy issues are concerned these should “remain the concern of policymakers and the government of the day”. While stating that he respects the “sentiments” behind the SC directive, Dr Singh asked how free foodgrains could be distributed to 37 per cent of the population which lives below the poverty line (BPL).
He also asserted it is not possible to provide free foodgrains to all the poor. In this regard, the PM also pointed out that providing free foodgrains would destroy the incentive that farmers have to produce more. And if there were no food available, there would be nothing to distribute.
At the same time, the PM said: “I do recognise that food should be available to the people below the poverty line at concessional prices. We have not allowed any increase in the issue prices of foodgrains to people below the poverty line since 2004.”
The PM’s assertion found ready support from both his party as also the chief economic adviser to the government, Mr Kaushik Basu, the latter having expressed his views in a working paper.
With the PM’s remarks being interpreted as a snub to the SC, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters that this wasn’t the case. “I totally deny that the prime Minister had rebuffed the Supreme Court. Those in the Opposition who are trying to sensationalise it as a rebuff to the Supreme Court don’t know how the judiciary and the executive function,” said Mr Singhvi, adding, “He has said whatever he has to say. We completely stand by whatever he has said. There can be no difference of opinion, not the slightest difference over the issue between the party and him.”
Mr Basu, on his part, said if foodgrains are given away at very low prices to whoever comes to purchase them, there is a likelihood that a portion of these foodgrains would be picked up by traders who would then resell them to the government when it is procuring grain.
Regarding the situation in the Kashmir Valley, the PM revealed that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will be meeting on Friday for a threadbare discussion on it. Noting that the country has been grappling with the Kashmir problem for the last 63 years, the PM remarked, “I cannot promise you that I will produce a rabbit out of my hat... the country must learn to be patient.”
As for the turmoil that the Valley has been witnessing since June, the PM said humane methods, rather than lethal weapons, need to be used, and that he favours more powers being shifted to the J&K police.
With environmental issues in sharp focus of late under UPA-II, the PM stated: “Environmental concerns have come to stay. Our industry must recognise that. At the same time, we cannot solve environmental problems by perpetuating poverty.” He said a meeting, to be attended by the Union ministers of environment, coal, petroleum, etc., would be held.
The PM also defended the appointment of telecom secretary P.J. Thomas as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner, maintaining that the “best candidate” has been selected. The BJP has already registered its strong opposition to his appointment.
As for the coming Commonwealth Games, the PM, while admitting there have been lapses and delays in preparations, called upon everyone to work together to ensure that the Games are successful.