Question : PRICE OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES

(a) whether the Government hasfinalised the list of essential commodities,if so, the details thereof along with the stepstaken to ensure their adequate supply andto control the prices;

(b) whether reports/complaints from theStates indicate that prices of essential commodities have risen on account ofartificial shortages, supply/distributionbottlenecks, hoarding and black marketingand if so, the details thereof and thecorrective action taken in this regardindicating the quantum of various itemsprocured and distributed during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Government proposesto adopt an integrated action plan incoordination with the States to check suchpractices and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government hasfinalised the modalities of the Price Stabilisation Fund, if so, the details and thesalient features thereof along with thebenefits likely to accrue therefrom;

(e) whether the Government proposesto release additional foodgrains andstrengthen the Public Distribution System(PDS) to control prices and if so, the detailsthereof; and

(f) whether the Government proposesto provide any financial assistance to theStates for supply of essential commoditiesto control price rise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)

(a): Essential commodities are enlisted as per schedule given in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 as per Annexure-I. Since 9th June 1978, the states have been delegated powers to ensure adequate supply of essential commodities at fair prices. Enforcement of the the Essential Commodities Act 1955 and the Prevention of Black Marketing and Mainte- nance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act 1980 is the responsibility of States/UTs. They have regularly been advised to implement the two Acts effectively. In 2014 action have been taken as per Annexure-II to contain prices of the essential commodities.

(b): No, Madam.

(c): Yes, Madam, The details are at Annexure-III.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): During the current year, the Government has allocated an additional quantity of 66.45 lakh tons of foodgrains for distribution among APL and BPL families in the States/UTs who have not implemented NFSA. The Government has also allocated a quantity of 12.85 lakh tons of foodgrains to the States for additional TPDS requirement, festivals, natural calamities etc. during the current year. In addition, a quantity of 100 lakh tons of wheat has also been approved for sale under Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) during the current year.

States and UTs have been requested for review of lists of beneficiaries, improving the off take of allocated foodgrains, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at Fair Price Shops (FPSs), greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, increased monitoring and vigilance at various levels, improving the viability of FPS operations, etc. The National Food Security Act, 2013 also contains measures for reforms in TPDS, to be undertaken progressively by the Central and State Governments. These reforms inter alia include doorstep delivery of foodgrains to the TPDS outlets, application of information and communication technology tools including end to end computerisation, preference to public institutions/bodies in licensing of FPSs, etc.

(f): States are getting assistance by way of various schemes, programmes, etc. to enhance production and supply of essential commodities to ensure their fair price.