Question : FOOD SECURITY

(a) whether the Government is considering to expand the coverage of beneficiaries under the public distribution system across States under the proposed National Food Security Act;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the salient features of the proposed Act and the time by which it is likely to be implemented;

(c) whether the findings of the 66th round of the National Sample Survey has indicated that the dependence of rural families on the Public Distribution System (PDS) in poor States is very low;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to review and reform the distribution system to ensure effective implementation of the Food Security Act, and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b) National Food Security Bill, 2011, introduced in the Lok Sabha on 22.12.2011 seeks to entitle upto 75% of the rural population (with at least 46% belonging to the priority households) and upto 50% of the urban population (with at least 28% belonging to the priority households) to receive foodgrains at subsidized prices under Targeted Public Distribution System. The Bill also, inter-alia, contains provisions for nutritional support to women and children, and meals for special groups such as destitutes and homeless persons, emergency and disaster affected persons and persons living in starvation.

After introduction, the Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution for examination. The Standing Committee has presented their report on the Bill on 17.01.2013, which is being examined in consultation with States/Union Territories and concerned Central Ministries/Departments. After finalizing its views on recommendations of the Standing Committee, Government will move necessary amendments to the Bill, wherever required, for consideration of the Parliament.

(c) & (d) As per the main findings of 66th round consumer expenditure survey of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the share of Public Distribution System (PDS) in rice and wheat/atta consumption in rural areas were about 23.5% and 14.6% respectively in 2009-10, compared to about 13.2% and 7.3% respectively in 2004-05. This indicates considerable rise in contribution of PDS purchases to total consumption in 2009-10, compared to 2004-05. State-wise details are at Annexure.

(e) Strengthening and streamlining of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is a continuous process. Government has regularly reviewed and has issued instructions to States/UTs to strengthen functioning of TPDS by improving monitoring mechanism and vigilance, improved transparency in functioning of TPDS, adoption of revised Model Citizen’s Charter, use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and improving the viability of fair price shop operations.