(a) whether, according to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) survey of
2004-05, the average daily intake of calories of the rural population dropped by 106 kcal
(4.9 per cent) from 1993-94 to 2004-05;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken thereon by the Union Government?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) Yes, sir.
(b) As per NSSO report based on the survey conducted by it in July 2004 - June 2005, the
average per capita calorie in- take at all India level in Rural areas is 2047 Kilo Calories
as compared to 2153 Kilo Calories based on the results of similar survey undertaken during
July 1993 – June 1994. This shows a drop of 106 Kilo calories and percentage decrease of
4.9% in per capita calorie intake in rural areas over 2004-05.
(c) Union Government has taken number of steps to increase opportunities for livelihood/
wage employment and food security of rural people so as to enable them to have access to
availability of food and thus, better intake of calories. While some of the prominent wage
employment generation schemes focussing at rural population in the country are (i) Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) (ii) Swarnajayanti Gramin Swarozgar
Yojana (SGSY) those with focus on food security are (i) Targeted Public Distribution
System( TPDS) (ii) Annapurna scheme for Senior Citizens, , (iii) Mid-day Meal, (iv) Sabla
or Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (v) Integrated Child Development
Services(ICDS).