(a) the complaints received from the State of Bihar and Gujarat with regard to corruption/irregularity in Public Distribution System during the last three years;
(b) the result of the action taken by the Government on these complaints; and
(c) the number of persons found guilty in the States of Bihar and Gujarat in aforementioned action along with the rules under which action was taken by Bihar and Gujarat Government?
A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)
(a): As informed by the State Governments of Bihar and Gujarat, the number of cases of complaints including corruption/irregularity in Public Distribution System during the last three years are as given below:-
S. No. State Year Total No. of Complaints
1. Bihar 2018-19 4286
2019-20 5544
2020-21 7076
2. Gujarat 2018-19 1174
2019-20 960
2020-21 1092
(b): As offence committed in violation of the provisions of the TPDS (Control) Order, 2015 is liable for penal action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, immediate action is taken by States/UTs accordingly. Enquiries are made, licenses of FPS dealers are suspended/cancelled as per seriousness of the complaints. In appropriate cases, criminal prosecution and raids are also ordered. In some cases disciplinary action against Governments servants are also taken.
(c): During the last three years 2018 to 2020, number of cases on actions under relevant provisions of the TPDS (Control) Order, 2015 pertaining to number of FPS licenses suspended/cancelled/ show-cause notices issued/ FIRs lodged etc. by States of Bihar is around 2262 and that of Gujarat is around 1108.
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