Question : FOOD FOR WORK PROGRAMME

(a) the total value of community assets created under the Food for Work Programme; and

(b) the funds sanctioned and spent by the Union Government under the scheme since the inception of the scheme?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(SHRI SHANTA KUMAR)

(a): The Food for Work Programme was started in January,2001 as a temporary measure to provide relief in the natural calamity affected areas and remained in operation till 31st March, 2002. The Programme was implemented in 11 States. This Programme could form a part of any ongoing Scheme of the Central or State Government being implemented for generation of wage employment in the `Natural Calamity affected` Districts notified by the State Governments. Separate monitoring for the value of assets created under the Food for Work Programme was not carried out at Central Level.

(b): During the year 2000-01, an amount of Rs. 300 crore was allocated under the programme against which 6 lakhs tonnes of foodgrains (Wheat & Rice) were released to the concerned States. In the year 2001-02 about 34.32 lakh tones foodgrains (Wheat & Rice) of the value of Rs. 1738.37 crore were released. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 1400 crore has been paid to the FCI against lifting of foodgrains by the concerned States/DRDAs.