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) and (b): Evaluation studies on functioning of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
got done by the Department from ORG MARGÂ and Programme Evaluation Organisation (PEO) ofÂ
Planning Commission had revealed certain shortcomings in the functioning of TPDS such as
inclusion/exclusion errors, leakages/diversion of foodgrains, etc. To streamline the
functioning of the TPDS, a Nine-Point Action Plan was evolved in 2006, which is under
implementation by the State /UT Governments. As a result of implementation of this action
plan, 25 State/UT Governments have reported by 30.9.2010, deletion of 178.87 lakh
bogus/ineligible ration cards. Â
Subsequently, concurrent evaluation of TPDS got done from National Council of Applied Economic
Research (NCAER) in 12 states has also indicated diversion of foodgrains and inclusion and
exclusion errors. The reports of NCAER have been considered in this Department and sent to
concerned State Governments for taking necessary action to streamline the functioning of
TPDS.                 Â
Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2001 mandates the State and UT Governments to carry
out all required action to ensure smooth functioning of TPDS.Â
Further, the State Governments have been empowered to detain any person under the Prevention of
Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, with a view to
preventing him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies of
commodities essential to the community. The detention orders issued under this Act by the
State Governments and as reported by them during the last three years are as under.
Year Detention orders issued
2007 119
2008 162
2009 147
2010 153
(upto
30.9.
2010)
In addition, State Governments/UT Administrations are also taking action under the Essential
Commodities Act, 1955. The details of number of persons arrested, prosecuted and convicted
are as under:
Year No of persons No of persons No of persons arrested prosecuted convicted
2007 6944 4872 1022
2008 8001 6425 790
2009 9012 5131 127
2010 5595 1688 91
(upto
30.9.2010)
(c) and (d): State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Govt. of NCT of Delhi submitted
proposals for direct disbursement of food subsidy in cash instead of distribution of foodgrains
to Below Poverty Line (BPL)/Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families on pilot basis in five
districts, namely, Lakhimpur Kheri and Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, Panchkula and Jhajjar in
Haryana and Central District in Delhi. Â Based on those proposals, a draft scheme has been
prepared to test the feasibility of this alternative mode of transfer of food subsidy to
BPL/AAY families under TPDS.    The draft scheme has been referred to Ministry of Finance(Department of Expenditure) for obtaining the approval of Committee on Non-Plan Expenditure.
Strengthening and streamlining of TPDS is a continuous process. To improve functioning of
TPDS, Government has been regularly requesting State/UT Governments for   continuous  review of
lists of BPL and AAY families, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at fair price shops,
ensuring greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, Â Â Â improved monitoring and vigilance at
various levels and  introduction of new technologies such as Computerization of TPDS
operations at various levels.
