Question : PDS PRICE OF FOODGRAINS

(a) whether the Government proposes to increase or has increased the price of foodgrains distributed to the Above Poverty Line (APL) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories under the Public Distribution System (PDS);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of the said hike on the prices of foodgrains in the open market;

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(e) the corrective steps taken in this regard?

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

(a) and (b): No, Madam. At present there is no proposal pending before the Government to increase the issue price of foodgrains for Above Poverty Line (APL) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

(c), (d) & (e) : In view of (a) above does not arise.