MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): The food subsidy released for distribution of subsidized foodgrains
to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families including beneficiaries covered under
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and to Above Poverty Line (APL) families during
the last two years is as under:-
(Rs. in crore)
Year BPL(including AAY) APL
2009-10 33788 12595
2010-11 34468 15875
(b) & (c): No Madam.
(d): Yes Madam,
(e): The total food subsidy released during the last five years is as under:
Year Amount (Rs. in crore)
2006-07 23827.59
2007-08 31259.68
2008-09 43668.08
2009-10 58242.45
2010-11 62929.56
The rise in food subsidy is mainly attributable to increase in economic
cost of foodgrains on account of increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) every
year whereas Central Issue Prices (CIPs) of subsidized foodgrains have remained
unchanged since 2002. There has also been increase in allocation and offtake of
foodgrains.
(f) & (g): The steps taken to check rise in the subsidy are as under:-
i) Encouraging decentralised procurement and distribution of Foodgrains.
ii) Issue of bonds by the FCI at lower coupon rates, backed by Government guarantee.
iii) Improving the operational efficiency of the FCI.