(a) whether the Government proposes to launch any scheme to transfer the subsidy directly in the accounts of the beneficiaries provided under public distribution system (PDS);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to be achieved;
(c) whether any directions have been issued to the States in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)
(a)&(b): The scheme of cash transfer of food subsidy is already under implementation since 2015 as per provisions of the Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2015, notified on 21.08.2015 under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) which inter alia provides cash food subsidy directly into the bank accounts of entitled households in lieu of foodgrains. The scheme can be taken up in identified areas, subject to fulfillment of certain conditions on the level of preparedness of the State/ Union Territory for its implementation. Identified area is defined under the Rules as State or Union Territory or any specified area within the State or Union Territory for which there is a written consent of the State Government for implementation of the scheme. The States/Union Territories can either opt to implement the cash transfer of food subsidy scheme or distribute foodgrains as per provisions of NFSA through the network of fair price shops. Thus, the Cash Transfer Scheme is optional for the States/ Union Territories. Currently, the cash transfer scheme is operational in three Union Territories viz. Chandigarh, Puducherry and urban areas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
(c)&(d): As per the Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2015, the scheme is optional for the States/Union Territories. The Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2015 have been circulated to all the States/Union Territories.
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