(a) whether the Government is running Village Grain Banks Scheme for the people living below
the poverty line in the areas where there is a chronic shortage of foodgrains;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the States where the said scheme is already being implemented alongwith the reasons for
not implementing the scheme in other States;and
(d) the steps being taken by the Government for implementation of the said scheme in all the
States?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER
AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)
(a),(b),(c)&(d): The Government is implementing the Village Grain Bank scheme in chronically
food scarce and vulnerable areas for all willing Below Poverty Line/Antyodaya Anna Yojana families
to provide safeguard against starvation during the period of natural calamity or during lean
season.So far 14,683 Village Grain Banks have been sanctioned by the Department of Food and Public
Distribution in 20 States. A statement showing the number of Village Grain Banks sanctioned is
annexed. Rest of the States/Union Territories have yet not implemented the Village Grain Banks
Scheme.12 States/Union Territories have informed that they are not interested in setting up of
Village Grain Banks in their States.
Government has been pursuing with the States/Union Territories Governments for setting up of more
Village Grain Banks,and proposals have been requested from them.