Question : SURVEY OF BPL FAMILIES

(a) whether the Government have started conducting the BPL survey to assess the number of rural poor families and their living standards as the last BPL survey was done in the year 1997;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) if not, the time by which the Government propose to conduct such survey;

(d) whether the Government have received any reports regarding the problems with regard to inclusion of non-BPL households in the BPL lists in the States; and

(e) if so, the details thereof State-wise and the action taken by the Government in the matter?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI ANNASAHEB M.K.PATIL)

(a) & (b) The Ministry of Rural Development has advised all the States and Union Territories to initiate action to conduct BPL Census for identification of `poor` and `non- poor` in the rural areas, on the basis of thirteen socio-economic indicators.

(c) Question does not arise.

(d) & (e) In the BPL Census,1997, certain instances of non-deserving persons finding place in the BPL list and of non-inclusion of others in the BPL list in some States have come to light. As per the instructions issued by the Ministry, the BPL list of each village is to be finalized with the approval of the Gram Sabha and is to be displayed for public scrutiny. The State Governments/Union Territory Administrations have been advised to strictly follow the instructions in this behalf.