Question : DECREASE IN SUBSIDY

(a) whether the amount of food subsidy provided by the Government is likely to be lower by Rs. 23,000 crore during the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the procurement of wheat and paddy is proposed to be reduced for achieving the target of reduction in subsidy; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto indicating the names of the States from which the Food Corporation of India procured less wheat and paddy during the current year as compared to the previous year?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)

(a) & (b): For the Financial Year 2014-15, a requirement of Rs.108000 crore was projected for current year for FCI at Budget Estimate (BE) stage. The approved BE of 2014-15 for release of subsidy to FCI is Rs.92000 crore. In order to settle the arrears of FCI in the Revised Estimate for 2014-15, a requirement of Rs.147730 crore has been proje- cted which includes current year’s requirement of Rs.98032 crore and previous years arrears of Rs.49698 crore.

(c) & (d): No, Madam. A statement indicating the procurement of less wheat and paddy by FCI for Central Pool compared to previous year is enclosed as Annex-I.