Question : Delivery of Food Ration to Needy

(a) whether the Ministry currently operates a scheme to deliver food rations and other necessities to the homes of those who are less able to collect rations themselves, such as aged/disabled/ill/in quarantine;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, whether the Ministry would be willing to use new or existing legislation to create such a delivery system, perhaps using the model developed during the COVID-19 lockdown in Kerala, wherein local bodies and volunteer groups delivered supplies to those unable to collect them;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if no, the reasons therefor?

A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a) to (e): Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, the Department vide letters dated 01.02.2018 and 24.07.2020 has issued instructions to all States/UTs for ensuring supply of NFSA foodgrains to all eligible beneficiaries, through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), including special dispensation of foodgrains to NFSA beneficiaries who are above 65 years of age, or who are differently-abled, and have no other adult family member listed in the ration card, and are not in a position to visit the Fair Price Shop themselves – through either home delivery of entitled foodgrains or through authorized nominees of such beneficiaries. Under the Food Security Act, and within the provisions of the Act, State Government has been mandated to ensure fair and transparent distribution to eligible beneficiaries. Necessary directions have been given by the Central Government under the relevant provisions of the NFSA.
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