Government has said that all efforts will be made to contain price rise of essential commodities. Referring to Public Distribution System, the Finance Minister, Mr.Pranab Mukhrjee sought cooperation from the state governments in this regard. He said the offtake of rice under the PDS is not adequate. He said the government is importing huge quantities of pulses as there is a short supply of 400 million tonnes. Replying to a discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2009 in the Rajya Sabha today, the Finance Minister said the prices of pulses are high due to price rise in international markets. Underlining the need for bringing down the fiscal deficit, the Finance Minister said that it will be endeavour of the government to bring it down to three percent in the next two to three years. He said the Indian economy is already on the recovery path.<br/>Mr.Mukherjee said that the Government is in favour of tax reforms in the country. He said that the government will come out with new Income Tax code by incorporating several important segments. However, he said the government is not in a hurry. The Finance Minister said that he will start holding pre-budget consultations with State Finance Ministers from 15th of January 2010 to solicit their views particularly on the farmers. He said that he will also hold consultations with Members of Parliament.<br/>Later, the House returned the Appropriation Bill by voice vote. The measure was passed earlier by the Lok Sabha.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, the BJP today said that the government is not doing enough to capture the escalation in the prices of essential commodities. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, party leader Ravishankar Prasad said that the present situation is a result of faulty central policies. Stating that the common people are suffering due to the situation, Mr. Prasad said that despite of the Prime Minister being an eminent economist himself, the government has failed to control the situation.