(a) whether due to delays in submission of bills under mid-day meal scheme by the FCI regions led to an avoidable charge of Rs. 35.86 crore on food subsidy during the period from August 1995 to July 2001;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any inquiry was conducted in this regard;
(d) if so, whether responsibilities have been fixed; and
(e) if so, the action taken/proposed to be taken against those held responsible?
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): The delays in submission of bills by the Regional Offices of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under Mid-day Meal Scheme during the period August 1995 to July 2001 were mainly due to the delays in certification of the lifting of foodgrains by the revenue authorities of the concerned States. During the period 1995-96 to 2001-02 (July 2001), the payments received from the Ministry of Human Resources Development were less than the bills submitted by the FCI.
(c), (d) & (e): Do not arise.