(a) whether a recent survey by National Sample Survey Organisation has indicated that a large number of families both in urban and rural areas do not get enough food;
(b) if so, whether this reflects a downward trend in the per capita expenditure on food in both rural and urban areas;
(c) if so, the details and reasons thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to improve the situation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH )
(a) & (b): No Sir. As per the 59th round (January-December 2003) of survey by the National Sample Survey Organisation the per capita average value of consumption on food including cereals, gram, pulses, milk and milk products etc., has increased from Rs. 100.82 in 87-88 to Rs.299.86 in rural areas and from Rs.139.73 to Rs. 429.12 in urban areas.
(c)&(d): Do not arise.