Question : CONVERTING PDS INTO STATUTORY ENTITY

(a) whether the Union Government have decided to convert PDS into a statutory entity covered by a Central Order issued under Essential Commodities Act, 1955;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is any proposal to make it mandatory for State to run PDS for the poor;

(d) whether the Union Government have decided to empower itself with legal power to prosecute those responsible for any flow in the operation of the Public distribution system;

(e) if so, the number of cases registered against those held responsible for non-compliance of the order, State-wise; and

(f) the action taken against each of them?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI ASHOK PRADHAN)

(a)&(b): In order to streamlining the functioning of Public Distribution System (PDS) and make it more accountable and effective. Government of India has issued the Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2001 under Section 3 of Essential Commodities Act. 1955.

This order contains provisions in regard to the following matters:-

(i)	Identification of families living below the poverty line;

(ii)	Ration cards;

(iii)	Scale and Issue prices;

(iv)	Distribution of foodgrains;

(v)	Licensing;

(vi)	Monitoring; and

(vii)	Penalties for violation.