(a) the number of Public Distribution System (PDS) ration shops
in the country, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to pay salary and to increase
the commission of the PDS ration shop owners;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the commission paid to ration shop owners in the States
is not uniform;
(e) if so, the details of the rate of commission paid to them,
State-wise; and
(f) the reasons and rationale for difference in rate of commission?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): The total number of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the country as reported
by States/Union Territories (UTs) upto 30.6.2011 are 5,05,879. The State wise
details thereof are given in the statement at Annexure-I.
(b) to (f): Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under
the joint responsibility of Central Government and State/UT Governments. The
Central Government is responsible for procurement, allocation and transportation
of foodgrains upto the designated depots of the Food Corporation of India. The
operational responsibilities for lifting and distributing the allocated foodgrains
within the States/UTs, identification of eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL)
families, issuance of ration cards to them and supervision over distribution
of allocated foodgrains to eligible card holders through the Fair Price Shops
(FPSs) are of the State/UT Governments.
In order to maintain supplies and securing availability and distribution
of essential commodities under TPDS, Public Distribution System (Control) Order,
2001, has been notified by the Government of India on 31st August, 2001. This
order, inter-alia, provides that State Governments shall issue an order under
Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act for regulating the sale and
distribution of essential commodities. The licenses to the fair price shop
owners shall be issued under the said order and shall lay down the duties and
responsibilities of the fair price shop owner.
Since 2001, State/UT Governments have been given the flexibility in
the matter of fixing the margin for the Fair Price Shops (FPSs). The rates
of commission to FPS owners are, therefore, to be determined by the respective
States/UTs. Each State depending on their policies have fixed rates of
commission to FP Shop dealers. The details of rates of commission given
to FPS owners, as reported by State/UT Governments from time to time, are
enclosed as Annexure – II.