Question : ALLOCATION OF FOODGRAINS

(a) whether there have been reports indicating supply of lower quantity and diversion of foodgrains in some States including Odisha, if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken in this regard, State-wise;

(b) whether there is any monitoring mechanism for Public Distribution System and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there are any provisions in Rules for action against officers and for recovery of losses due to diversion and issuance of fake ration cards or failure to weed out the same; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereunder during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise?

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

(a) & (b): There have been complaints about irregularities in the functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) including supply of lower quantity, diversion of foodgrains, etc. in some States/regions in the country including Odisha. TPDS is operated under the joint respon- sibility of the Central and the State/UT Governments wherein the operational responsibilities for its implementation within the State/UT rest with the concerned State/UT Governments. Therefore, as and when complaints are received by the Government from individuals and organizations as well as through press reports, these are referred to the State/UT Governments concerned for inquiry and appropriate action. A State/UT-wise statement indicating number of such complaints received during the year 2013 is at Annex - I.

Strengthening and streamlining of TPDS is a continuous endeavour. To improve functioning of TPDS, Government has been regularly issuing advisories and holding meetings, conferences, etc. wherein State/UT Governments are requested for review of lists of benefi- ciaries, improving the offtake of allocated foodgrains, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at Fair Price Shops (FPSs), greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, increased monitoring and vigilance at various levels, improving the viability of FPS operations, etc.

The PDS (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the States/UTs to take action for smooth functioning of TPDS. The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) also contains measures for reforms in TPDS, to be undertaken progressively by the Central and State Governments. These measures inter alia include doorstep delivery of foodgrains to the TPDS outlets, application of information and communication technology tools including end to end computerization, preference to public institutions/bodies in licensing of FPSs, etc. The Act also requires State/UT Governments to set up Vigilance Committees at various levels for ensuring transparency and proper functioning of TPDS.

(c) & (d): The PDS (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the State/UT Governments to take punitive action under clauses 8 & 9 in case of contravention of relevant provisions of the Order. Contravention of provisions of this Order by any person is liable to punishment under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. State/UT-wise details regarding action taken under clauses 8 & 9 of the said Order during the last three years and current year are at Annex-II. However, the details of recovery of losses due to diversion, issuance of fake ration cards, etc. are not maintained in this Ministry.