Question : DIFFERENCE IN NUMBER OF BPL BENEFICIARIES

(a) whether the actual number of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Kerala, identified through Gram Sabhas is much more than the number assessed by the Union Government;

(b) if so, details thereof and reasons therefor;

(c) whether due to the said difference the State is facing shortage of foodgrains under Public Distribution System (PDS);

(d) if so, whether the Government of Kerala has requested the Government to approve the number of families actually identified by the State; and

(e) if so, the time by which it is likely to be approved?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a)&(b): For allocation of foodgrains under the TPDS, the BPL families are estimated on the basis on the poverty estimates of the Planning Commission for 1993-94 and population projection of the Registrar General as on 1.3.2000. The total ceiling of BPL households estimated as per the above formula for the State of Kerala is 15.54 lakh whereas the State Government has identified 20.87 lakh households.

(c), (d) & (e): In this regard two memorandums dated 8.10.2005 and 25.10.2005 addressed to the Hon`ble Prime Minister regarding increase in allocation foodgrains under TPDS were received and a reply to the Hon`ble Chief Minister of Kerala was given wherein it was indicated that based on the above formula 54, 384 MTs of foodgrains per month for 15.54 lakh BPL including AAY households is allocated to the Kerala State. The above formula is uniformly followed for the entire country.