Question : Beneficiaries under PDS

(a) the total number of beneficiaries under Public Distribution System (PDS) belonging to BPL and APL categories under various schemes of the Government;

(b) whether the Government proposes to review the National Food Security Act (NFSA);

(c) if so, the details along with the aims and objectives thereof;

(d) whether the Government has prepared any roadmap for various Ministries in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether a report by the Secretaries has also been submitted to the Government in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to make National Food Security Act applicable only for deserving sections of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)
(a): The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) covers about 80 crore persons to receive subsidized foodgrains from Public Distribution System in two categories namely – Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) only. Further, no category of beneficiaries under APL/BPL exists under NFSA provisions.
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(b) to (e): There is no such proposal under consideration in the Department at present.

(f): NFSA inter-alia provides coverage for about two-thirds of the total population of the country as per Census 2011, i.e. up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population are eligible for receiving subsidized foodgrains under the Act. Further, identification of eligible beneficiaries under NFSA and issuance of ration cards to them pertains to respective State/UT Governments.
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