- (1.) The petitioner's prayer in the writ petition is that the price of levy rice shall be fixed at Rs. 1,262/- per quintal for the year 2007-08, irrespective of the fact that the paddy was purchased at the rate below the minimum support price and payment of Rs. 50 as bonus to the farmers. The prayer is purported to be in tune with the recommendations already given by the Committee constituted by the Deputy Director, Food and Supply with representatives of the Rice Millers Association to participate.
(2.) The claim of the petitioner is that the levy paddy purchased at the rate below the minimum support price (MSP) qualified for higher bonus if the proper quality of rice had been delivered to FCI. Factually, the petitioner would claim that he purchased 38,207.75 quintals of paddy during the year 2007-08. Out of the said quantity, 5,420.95 quintals were purchased at the rate of Rs. 775/- or above, while 6,098.60 quintals had been purchased @ Rs. 675/- plus Rs. 50/- bonus. 19,719.60 quintals of paddy had been purchased at the rate below the below MSP plus Rs. 50/- as bonus and 6,968.60 quintals of paddy had been purchased without bonus.
(3.) The petitioner would explain the terms "manufactured rice", "levy due" and "FAQ". Manufactured rice is required to be 67% of the total paddy purchased. Levy due is equivalent to 75% of the manufactured rice. The claimants had paid @ Rs. 775/- or above with bonus ranging between Rs. 50/- or Rs. 100/-. While there was no dispute with reference to the above price, the dispute was with regard to the paddy purchased below the MSP with Rs. 50/- to be paid as bonus.;