Question : Unused Food Items

(a) the details of the sugar and other food items lying unused in godowns of FCI due to non lifting short lifting as on date and the reasons therefor, item and State-wise;
(b) whether the Government is considering to impose stock limit on sugar mills and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering to impose restrictions on import of sugar and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether sugar supplied through PDS is not reaching the targeted consumers and if so, the details and corrective measures taken thereon;
(e) whether the payment of sugarcane dues are still outstanding against the sugar mills and if so, the details of action plan formulated by the Government to ensure that sugarcane growers are paid in time by mill owners; and
(f) the number of new sugarmills granted permission by the Government to set up in Marathwada region in Maharashtra since 2014

MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a): Consequent upon de-regulation of sugar sector and introduction of a new system for distribution of sugar through PDS, FCI has stopped dealing in sugar since May, 2013. Presently, stocks of wheat & rice, which are more than 2 years old, are not maintained by FCI, except those earmarked for undertaking various studies. Stocks do not remain unused in FCI, as inflow and outflow of food grains from FCI godwons is a continuous process.
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(b): No, Madam.
(c): No, Madam.
(d): No, Madam.
(e): As on 22.11.2016, a total of Rs.1147 crores are outstanding against sugar mills as sugarcane dues of farmers for the sugar season 2014-15 and 2015-16 on FRP basis. The Sugarcane (control) order, 1966 stipulates payment of cane price within 14 days of supply, failing which interest at the rate of 15% per annum on amount due for the delayed period beyond 14 days is payable. The powers for enforcing this provision are delegated and vested with the State Governments/UT Administrations who have necessary field formations. The Central Government from time to time is advising State Governments at appropriate level to take strict action against defaulting mills. State Governments have informed that they have issued necessary notices/directions to the sugar mills to clear pending cane dues and in some cases they have initiated proceedings for its recovery as arrears of land revenue
(f): No proposal has been received to set up new sugar mill in Marathwada region in Maharashtra since year 2014.
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