Question : Subsidized Ration under PDS

(a) whether subsidized ration such as rice, wheat, etc. are distributed to the poor families under Public Distribution System (PDS), if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether any schemes are being implemented by the Government to deposit cash money in the account of the beneficiary in place of giving subsidized ration and if so, the time by which the scheme will be implemented;
(c) whether the Government has any plan to increase the number of beneficiaries eligible for receiving foodgrains through PDS outlets, if so, the details thereof;
(d) the estimated quantum of different varieties of rice and wheat required to be procured for providing universal food security to the people in the country; and
(e) the quantum of rice and wheat currently procured by the Government for
distribution through PDS and the manner in which the Government proposes to bridge the gap between procurement and distribution?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a): The Government is implementing the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), under which 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population is entitled to receive highly subsidized foodgrains at Rs.1/2/3 per kg for coarse grains/wheat/rice respectively.
(b): The Government is implementing Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Scheme as per provisions of the “Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2015”. Under this scheme, food subsidy is transferred in cash into the bank account of eligible beneficiaries. This scheme is being implemented in Union Territories of Chandigarh, Puducherry and urban areas of Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
(c) & (d): There is no proposal to revise the coverage under NFSA.
(e): The quantities of procurement of wheat and rice during Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2016-17 and Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2016-17 were 229.62 lakh tons and 387.26 lakh tons respectively. During RMS 2017-18 the quantity of wheat procured, as on 20.07.2017, stood at 308.24. Current level of procurement and stock of foodgrians in the Central Pool is sufficient for distribution requirement under NFSA.
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