The central government has extended the time-span of duty free import of raw sugar till December 2010.

This extension will help to meet the domestic demand of sugar.

India has ordered sugar mills to import raw sugar at zero duty, which is valid till March 31, 2010.

As per sources, the decision to extend the period was taken in the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

However, the Food Ministry has sent the EGoM decisions for the sanction of the Election Commission as the model code of conduct is in force for assemble polls in Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh.