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) & (b): No, Sir. However the following measures have been taken by the Government to check diversion of foodgrains and to ensure that it reaches the targeted people:
(i) The Public Distribution System (Control) Order has been issued on 31-08-2001 under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. As per the provisions of the Order, willful adulteration, substitution, diversion, theft of stocks from the Central godowns to fair price shops or at premises of the fair price shops shall be liable for criminal punishment under Section 7 of the Act.
(ii) State/UTs have been asked to actively involve the Gram Panchayats in rural areas and the local bodies in urban areas in the monitoring of the functioning of Fair Price Shops as a measure of social audit.
(iii) In order to efficiently reach the essential commodities under PDS to the Consumer in a transparent and accountable manner, a model Citizen`s Charter has been issued by Central Government for adoption by the State Governments.
(c): As per reports received from the State Governments, number of persons ordered for detention including owners/officials of the FPS under the Prevention of Black marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, for black marketing of essential Commodities during the last three years state-wise and UT-wise is as under:
State/Year 2002 2003 2004 2005#
Gujarat 80 101 63 60
Tamil Nadu 17 05 01 02
Orissa 01 - - 02
Uttar Pradesh - 01 -
Assam 01 - 11
Maharashtra - - - 01
Total 99 107 75 65
# = as on 08-08-2005
