(a) whether the Government has received any complaint regarding misappropriation of funds/
benefits diversion of foodgrains meant for Below Poverty Line (BPL) category by the Above
Poverty Line (APL) category;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the percentage of foodgrains lost therein, State-
wise;
(c) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to check such practice in future; and
(d) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government against those held responsible?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a),(b),(c)&(d): Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is implemented jointly by
Government of India and State/UT Governments with sharing of responsibilities in this regard.
Responsibilities for allocation of foodgrains within State/UT, identification of eligible
BPL & AAY families based on estimates of Planning Commission, issuance of rations cards to
them and supervision over distribution of allocated foodgrains to eligible ration card holders
through the fair price shops rest with State /UT Governments.
Complaints as and when received by Government from individuals and organizations, as well as
through press reports about leakages/diversion of TPDS commodities are sent to concerned
State/UT Governments for inquiry and action.
Government from time to time gets evaluation done of functioning of Targeted Public
Distribution System (TPDS). The latest evaluation in 12 states is by the National Council of
Applied Economic Research (NCEAR), reports on which were received in November, 2007 and
January, 2009.
These reports have indicated diversion of foodgrains under TPDS in some of the States/UTs.
However, accurate assessment of quantities of foodgrains diverted is not available.
Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the State and UT Governments to
carryout all required action to ensure smooth functioning of TPDS in the State/UTs. An offence
committed in violation of the provisions of this Order is liable for penal action under the
Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
During last three years (2006,2007 and 2008) for various malpractices noticed in functioning
of TPDS, States/UT Governments have reported arrests/prosecution of 15,553 persons under the
provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Further, detention orders in 442 cases were
passed by the State Governments/UT Administrations during this period under provisions of
the Prevention of Black- marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act,
1980.
Government has been regularly taking up with State & UT Governments to streamline TPDS by:-
(i) continuous review of lists of BPL and AAY families and ensuring timely availability of
foodgrains at fair price shops;
(ii) ensuring greater transparency of functioning of TPDS;
(iii) improved monitoring and vigilance at various levels, including monthly certification of
TPDS commodities delivered to ration cardholders;
(iv) introduction of new technologies such as Computerization of TPDS operations at various
levels, smart-card-based delivery of essential commodities, and
(v) getting periodically evaluated functioning of TPDS.