The subsidies, he said, would have to be targetted and food distribution programme would be properly monitored so that the benefit reached the identified needy. However, the minister is in favour of cutting unnecessary subsidies.

The minister also stated that his top priority would be to tackle the problems of sugar and wheat imports.

He said the ministry would review as to why there is need to import sugar and wheat by private trade when there is ample availability of these commodities in the country. He assured that the government will take decision on this issue in a shortest possible time.

Shanta Kumar said that India needed to meet quality standards in face of challenges from expanding markets. He expressed concern over adulteration and falling quality in building materials that have led to major devastation and loss of human life.

He called upon the industry to make firm resolve to produce only quality products and accept this as a national duty.

The minister noted that with growing pressure of population, a tendency had emerged for pushing spurious and fake products into the market. He, therefore, suggested stringent action against those who violated the norms and rules of quality standards.