(a) whether the Government has any policy for mandatory allocation of Fair Price Shops (FPS) to SC/ST persons in each State and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether there are reports that requisite number of FPS have not been allocated to the said categories;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, State-wise including Maharashtra; and
(d) the corrective steps taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)
(a): As provided in the Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001, State Governments shall issue an order under section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, for regu- lating sale and distribution of the essential commodities. Under the said Order, licenses to the Fair Price Shop (FPS) owners shall be issued by the designated authority appointed by the State Government. Hence, Government has not prescribed any policy for mandatory allocation of FPSs to SC/ST persons
(b) to (d): Does not arise in view of (a) above.