Question : MISAPPROPRIATION OF BPL FOODGRAINS

(a) whether the Union Government has received any complaints regarding misappropriation of benefits meant for Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries by the Above Poverty Line (APL) category;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the percentage of foodgrains lost therein during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to check such practice in future; and

(d) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government against those held responsible?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) to (d): Evaluation studies on implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System have indicated shortcomings including leakages/diversion of foodgrains under TPDS. The reports received were sent to the State Governments/UT Administrations concerned for remedial measures to remove the deficiencies noticed in the functioning of TPDS. Complaints received by the Central Government about implementation of TPDS are also sent to the State Governments/UT Administrations concerned for inquiry and necessary action. A State-wise statement on complaints received in the last three years and the current year is at Annexure. However, specific details thereof including loss of foodgrains are not available.

Government has regularly reviewed and has issued instructions to States/Union Territories to strengthen functioning of TPDS by improving monitoring mechanism and vigilance, increased transparency in functioning of TPDS, adoption of revised Model Citizen’s Charter and improving the efficiency of Fair Price Shop operations.

Government has requested all States/UTs to take up end-to-end computerization of TPDS in a time-bound manner to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the TPDS. Some States/UTs have also reported issuance of smart cards, food coupons, barcoded ration cards, etc for the delivery of TPDS commodities to the beneficiaries, which will help in checking leakages/diversion of foodgrains.

Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the State and UT Governments to carry out all required action to ensure smooth functioning of TPDS. An offence committed in violation of the provisions of this Order is liable for penal action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The State Governments/UT Administrations  take action such as issue of show cause notice, lodging of FIR, suspension/cancellation of FPS licences, arrest/ prosecution/ conviction, etc. Further, State/UT Governments were also requested to initiate penal action against the Government staff found responsible for issuing bogus/ineligible ration cards and the families/persons possessing such ration cards.