Question : Intermediate Godowns

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up intermediate grain storage facilities at block level in each State for the implementation of the National Food Security Act and has directed the States to create such facilities with a holding capacity of four months PDS supply;
(b) if so, the details thereof and response of the States thereto;
(c) whether this move is aimed at ensuring steady flow of foodgrains under the National Food Security Act and to prevent damages;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the said storages are proposed to be constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (d): There is no proposal for construction of intermediate grain storage facilities by Government of India at Block level in each State. However, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) had requested the state governments in 2013 to create intermediate storage capacities at Block/Panchayat level to store foodgrains collected from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots, for further distribution to fair price shops, as construction of such intermediate godowns is the responsibility of State Governments. The states were requested to create capacity at the block level sufficient for 3 months requirement of foodgrains to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of foodgrains and to reduce leakages.
(e) & (f): The state governments may construct such godowns using funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Amendment has been made in 2013 in the Schedule-I of the relevant Act to include “construction and maintenance of modern and scientific Food Grain storage facility for implementing the provision of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013”.
****