(a) whether the number of Public Distribution System shops in Goa have closed down in the recent years;
(b) if so, whether the levies like transportation cost and gunny bags effects the viability of these shops;
(c) if so, whether the Government proposes to bail out these shops by providing transportation cost and cost of gunny bags;
(d) if so, whether the Government intends to allow sale of kerosene and other commodities to enhance their viability; and
(e) if so, the details in this regard?
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): As per the information received from the Government of Goa from time to time, the number of Fair Price Shops (FPS) has marginally declined from 557 (September, 2001) to 523.
(b) & (c): Transportation cost effects the viability of the FPS to certain extent, but the Government of Goa is already giving transportation rebate to FPS owners at enhanced rates with effect from 1.8.2000. The gunny bags in respect of rice and wheat are supplied free of cost by the Food Corporation of India. Only the cost of the gunny bag in respect of levy sugar is being recovered from the FPS Owners at the rate of Rs. 13.50 per bag.
(d) & (e): Kerosene is already being allocated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for distribution under Public Distribution System. Distribution of kerosene within the State is the responsibility of the concerned State Government. In order to improve the viability of the FPSs, the State Government have been asked to advise the FPS owners to supply commodities of daily consumption through these shops.