Question : LIST OF BPL FAMILIES IN MAHARASHTRA

(a) whether the Union Government has given instruction to make BPL list on certain number/quota in Maharashtra and other States;

(b) if so, whether the Union Government has prepared the final list of BPL families in Maharashtra;

(c) if so, whether the list has been made on actual basis or on quota basis;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Union Government has fixed the limit of list of BPL families;

(f) if so, the fate of those BPL families who exceed the quota;

(g) whether the Union Government proposes to change quota formula and fix some specific criteria to identify actual BPL families and prepare the list; and

(h) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING (SHRI M.V. RAJASEKHARAN)

(a) to (e): Under the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Rural Development for conducting the BPL Census 2002 for the 10th Five Year Plan, all the States including Maharashtra have been advised to identify the BPL families in the rural areas in such a way that it should not exceed the poverty estimates of 1999-2000 or the Adjusted Share as worked out by the Planning Commission, whichever is higher. Another 10% is allowed to account for `transient poor`.

The BPL Census was conducted by the States/UTs through door-to-door survey by covering 100% rural households for which the Ministry of Rural Development provided technical and financial assistance. The results of the BPL Census 2002 have been delayed because of the stay order passed by the Supreme Court on 5.5.2003 while hearing Writ Petition No.196 of 2001 in the matter of PUCL V/s Union of India. The Government of Maharashtra has not yet finalized the BPL list.

(f) to (h): The States have been given the option to identify the number of BPL families equal to the poverty estimates of 1999-2000 or Adjusted Share whichever is higher in addition to another 10% to account for transient poor. This provides enough flexibility to the States to identify the adequate number of BPL families in the rural areas under the BPL Census 2002.