(a) whether complaints regarding sale of foodgrains and kerosene meant for distribution under the Public Distribution System(PDS) and other welfare
schemes under the Ministry in the open market have been received recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and date-wise;
(c) the action taken thereon;
(d) whether the Government has issued any fresh guidelines to the States for strengthening PDS and checking diversion; and
(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b)&(c): The Statewise and date-wise details of detention cases under
Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities
Act, 1980 during the year 2006 is annexed as Annexure-I.
(d): The Government have drawn a Nine Point Action Plan and sent to all State
Governments for taking necessary action thereon. The Action Plan contains the
following points:
1. States should undertake a campaign for Review of BPL/AAY lists, to eliminate
ghost ration cards - within 3 months.
2. Strict action should be taken against the guilty to ensure leakage free
distribution of foodgrains. In this respect information asked for under clause
9 of PDS Control Order, may also be sent.
3. For sake of transparency involvement of elected PRI members in distribution
of foodgrains, licences be given to SHGs, gram panchayats, cooperatives, etc.
4. BPL/AAY lists should be displayed on all FPSs.
5. District-wise and FPS-wise allocation of foodgrains should be put up on
websites and other prominent places, for public scrutiny.
6. Wherever possible, door step delivery of foodgrains should be ensured by
States, instead of letting private transporters/wholesalers to transport goods.
7. Timely availability of foodgrains at FPS level and fixed dates of distribution
to ration card holders should be ensured.
8. Training of members of FPS level Vigilance Committees should be ensured.
9. Computerisation of TPDS operations be undertaken.
In addition, the Government has also taken steps to introduction of electronic
transfer of funds to FCI and issued instructions for display of banners/Boards
on the wind shield as well as rear end of the truck/vehicles carrying PDS articles
indicating details of State Government, destination, commodity and Agent`s name.
(e): The State/UT Governments are implementing the Action Plan. A statement of
status of follow up action on the Nine Action Points by different States/UTs is
annexed as Annexure - II.