Question : DIVERSION OF PDS ITEMS

(a) whether incidents of diversion/black marketing of Public Distribution System (PDS) items have been reported from some States during each of the last three years and the current year, and if so, the details thereof and the corrective action taken by the Government thereon, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to extend the pilot scheme of installing Global Positioning System on PDS trucks to other areas of the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the other steps taken to strengthen/ streamline PDS, bring better co-ordination between various agencies including the Union and the State Governments and creating awareness amongst the poor to ensure proper delivery of foodgrain and other items to the targeted beneficiaries under the scheme?

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

(a) There have been complaints about irregularities in the functioning of the Targeted Public Distribution System

(TPDS) including leakages, diversion, etc. in some States/regions in the country. TPDS is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State/UT Governments wherein the operational responsibilities for implementation of TPDS 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 last three years and current year is at Annex – I.

In order to maintain supplies and securing availability and distribution of essential commodities, Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 has been notified by the Government which mandates the State and UT Governments to carry out all required action to ensure smooth functioning of TPDS. PDS(Control) Order, 2001 empowers State/UT Governments to take punitive action under clauses 8 & 9 in case of contravention of relevant provisions of the Order. State/UT-wise details regarding action taken under clauses 8 & 9 of the said Order during the last three years and the current year is at Annex – II.

State/UT Governments have also been delegated powers to take necessary action under the provisions of The Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955 and The Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 to prevent hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities. State/UT-wise details of the raids conducted, value of goods confiscated and persons booked for violation of rules under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 during the last three years and the current year as reported by them are at Annex – III. The State Governments/UT Administrations have also taken action and reported detentions under The Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. The total number of detentions as reported by the State Governments /UTs during the last three years

(2010 to 2012) and current year are as under:

(As on 30.11.2013)

Name of the State	2010	2011	2012	2013

Gujarat	79	67	41	27

Tamil Nadu	120	198	187	168

Odisha	02	-	-	-

Maharashtra	02	05	03	01

Andhra Pradesh	01	-	-	-

Chhattisgarh	01	-	-	-

Total	205	270	231	196