(a) whether the Government has taken any decision pertaining to the BPL income level;
(b) if so, the number of BPL families availing the privileges of food security in the country during the last three years;
(c) whether the Government will come forward to provide essential commodities at the subsidized price in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therfor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) to (d): Income is not the only criteria to identify a family as Below Poverty Line(BPL). Under the guidelines of Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS) of the Department
of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD), the State Governments have been advised to identify
the BPL families by involving the Gram Panchayats and Nagar Palikas. In order to include
deserving poor and vulnerable sections of the society, it has been stipulated to include
landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans/craftsmen such as potters,
tappers, weavers, black-smith, carpenters etc. in the rural areas and slum dwellers and
persons earning their livelihood on daily basis in the informal sector like porters,
rickshaw-pullers, cart-pullers, fruit and flower sellers on the pavement etc. in urban areas.
Since 01-12-2000, foodgrains are released to 6.52 crore BPL families. However, as on 31-03-2010
as per DFPD, it is reported that 8.65 crore BPL ration cards and 2.43 crore Antyodaya Anna
Yojana (AAY) ration cards have been issued by the States/Union Territories. Under TPDS, items
like wheat, rice, sugar, kerosene, edible oils etc. are covered. But some State Governments
also implement their welfare schemes under the State Sector.