(a) the number of beneficiaries of Below Poverty Line people under the Public Distribution System during 1998-99 and 1999-2000;
(b) the year-wise quantity of food items and the extent of subsidy provided by the
Government;
(c) whether the Government propose to take some strict measures ensuring that benefits of
PDS are available only for the people living below poverty line; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SRIRAM CHAUHAN )
(a) As per reports received from the State Governments/UT Administrations, the total number
of BPL card holders in the country during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 were 715.18 lakhs and 719.65
lakhs respectively.
(b) Year-wise Allocation of food items and subsidy provided during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 is
as under :-
Foodgrains(c) & (d) : Yes, Sir. A series of measures have been taken by Government of India to ensure that people living below poverty line actually get the benefit of PDS.
Year Allocation of foodgrains Consumer Subsidy (in `000 tonnes) (Rs. in crore) BPL APL + Addl. Total
1998-99 7116.51 15560.296 22676.806 6024.02 1999-2000 7206.294 16693.671 23899.965 5593.15
Sugar (October to September) Year Allocation Consumer Subsidy (in lakh tonnes) (Rs. in crore)
1998-99 45.30 400.00 1999-2000 (till July, 2000) 39.89 235.00