a) whether the Government has any proposal to revamp the Fertilizer Distribution Mechanism in the country in the near future;
(b) if so, the details thereof, specially in Bihar, Delhi/NCR, UP and North East Region;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether there is any proposal to link fertilizer distribution with Aadhaar in near future to curb the corruption involved in it?
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS
(D.V. SADANANDA GOWDA)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Question does not arise.
(c) & (d): Sir, Government of India has declared fertilizer as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and notified Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 and Fertilizer (Movement Control) Order, 1973. Department of Fertilizers ensures availability of all fertilizers at State level as per requirement projected by Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) in consultation with States/ UTs for each season and distribution within the States is the responsibility of the concerned State Governments. The movement of all major subsidized fertilizers is being monitored throughout the country by an on-line web based monitoring system called integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System (iFMS).
The State Governments have been empowered to take appropriate action to curb Black-Marketing, Smuggling and Diversion of Subsidised Urea to Industrial Sector and to initiate actions against persons who indulge in illegitimate activities.
Further, the Department of fertilizers has implemented Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) System across all States/UTs w.e.f. March, 2018. Under the DBT system, 100% subsidy on various fertilizer grades is released to the fertilizer companies, on the basis of actual sales made by the retailers to the beneficiaries through Point of Sale (PoS) devices installed at each retailer shop and the beneficiaries are identified through Aadhaar Card, Kisan Credit Card, Voter Identity Card etc.
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