Arhar Dal, sold at nearly Rs 100 per kg in market, costs just Rs.2 for a katori.
The gap between the actual cost and what MPs, journalists and others have to pay, is bridged with a food budget set aside by parliament.
"Over Rs.5.3 crore has been allocated during the current financial year for the canteens. The Lok Sabha pays some Rs.3.55 crore and the Rajya Sabha shares the amount to over Rs.1.77 crore," said an official several years ago.
"Not only MPs, we serve food to everybody who is allowed inside parliament. They also include workers, gardeners and labourers," the official said, defending the low prices.
There are 10 canteens in the Parliament complex, whose annual food bill comes to over Rs 8 crore.
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