(a) whether the Government are aware that very inferior quality of foodgrains are allotted
to States for sale through Public Distribution System, particularly in Delhi`s NDMC area;
(b) if so, the number of adulterated samples lifted during the last three years, till date State-wise; and
(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to allot good quality of
foodgrains to States?
MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
( SHRI SHANTA KUMAR )
(a),(b) & (c) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a),(b) & (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 306 FOR ANSWER
IN THE LOK SABHA ON 16-03-2000.
(a) The health standards for safe food are prescribed under the Prevention of Food
Adulteration Act, 1954. These standards are known as Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA)
standards. The Government of India, as a matter of policy, have prescribed enhanced
specifications consisting of many more refractions than the PFA standards for issue of
foodgrains under the Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Directions have been given
to the issuing agencies not to issue any foodgrain which does not confirm to the Fair Average
Quality (FAQ) standards. Violation of the PFA standards is a criminal offence.
The State Governments have been advised not to accept any foodgrains not conforming to
FAQ standards which are much higher than the PFA standards.
(b) No sample of foodgrain issued from the FCI godowns during the last three years was
found adulterated.
(c) The following steps have been taken by the Government to improve quality of foodgrains
being supplied under the Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
(i) Only good quality foodgrains conforming to PFA standards and free from insect
infestation are issued to State Governments or their authorised agencies from the Food
Corporation of India (FCI) godowns for distribution under TPDS.
(ii) Ample opportunities are provided to the State Government or their agencies to inspect
foodgrains prior to lifting from FCI godowns. Instructions have been issued to all State
Governments that officers not below the rank of Inspector be deputed for inspection of the
foodgrains before lifting from FCI godowns.
(iii) The samples are jointly drawn and sealed by the officers of State Government and FCI
for display at the Fair Price Shops.
(iv) The specifications of Rice for Kharif Marketing Season 1999-2000 and for Wheat for
Rabi Marketing Season 2000-2001 have been tightened in the interest of consumers. No
relaxation in specification of rice has been extended during 1999-2000, excepting Orissa,
which was hit by Super Cyclone during November, 1999.
(v) An intensive drive was organised during the procurement of paddy in major rice
producing States during Oct.-Nov.`99, to ensure procurement of only good quality paddy
strictly conforming to the laid down specifications.