(a) the average per capita consumption of foodgrains in the country;
(b) whether the families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) are being provided foodgrains in
proportion to the average per capita consumption in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to provide foodgrains to the BPL families as per their
requirements; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
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) to (e): According to the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) Report No. 530, per
capita monthly consumption of rice, wheat and other cereals in rural areas during 2007-08 has
been 11.7 kg and in urban areas 9.7 kg.
The Central Government allocates foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution
System (TPDS) for 6.52 crore Below Poverty Line (BPL) families including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families @ 35 kg per family per month.
TPDS being supplemental in nature, meets about half the foodgrain (cereals)
requirements of families. To meet the balance requirements, in addition to TPDS offtake,
the families mobilize foodgrains from other sources as well.