(a) whether the Government has made any assessment regarding the price of pulses
and other foodgrains in the open market and under the Public Distribution System
(PDS) during the last one year;
(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to include more items to be sold through the
PDS; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): In general, domestic prices of pulses both in the open market and in the
PDS have declined over the last one year. Pulses are distributed through PDS only in 12
states of India. The PDS prices are determined by the State Governments. Pulses
distributed in the PDS are imported and subsidized by the Central Government @Rs.10/-
per kg.. PDS prices are, therefore, much lower than the open market prices. Also, pulses
sold in the PDS and in the open market do not refer to the same varieties.
(c) : Under TPDS, Government allocates foodgrains(Rice, wheat and coarse
grains) and sugar to States/UTs for distribution to eligible beneficiaries through TPDS. At
present there is no proposal to include more items to be sold through TPDS.
(d) : In view of (c) above, does not arise.