Question : EFFECTS OF TPDS

(a) whether the Union Government is aware that certain States are facing serious repercussions since the introduction of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) with effect from June 1, 1997;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government has received any representation from the State Government of Kerala requesting to restore the `Universal Rationing System` covering the entire population of the State without any categorisation of APL and BPL; and

(d) if so, the reaction of the Union Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SHARAD PAWAR )

(a), (b), (c) & (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c) & (d) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 387 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 23.8.2004 IN THE LOK SABHA

(a) & (b): After the introduction of Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS) from June 1, 1997, some State Governments have represented against the basis for categorization of families into Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana, (AAY), their numbers in each State, the quantum of subsidy for the APL families, unviability of Fair Price Shops (FPS), non release of levy sugar for APL families etc.

(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. The matter is being looked into.