(a) whether there are complaints of non-distribution of foodgrains to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders
in the rural areas of the country including Meghalaya for the last several months;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor alongwith the remedial action taken in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has set up or proposes to set up a Committee to enquire into the reported cases of non-distribution of foodgrains to the poor; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (d): Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central
and the State/Union Territory (UT) Governments. Central Government is responsible for procurement, allocation and transportation of foodgrains upto the designated depots of the Food Corporation of India. The operational responsibilities for allocation and distribution of foodgrains within the States/UTs, identification of eligible Below Poverty Line
(BPL) families, issuance of ration cards to them and supervision over and monitoring of functioning of Fair Price
Shops (FPSs) rest with the State/UT Government concerned.
There have been reports about irregularities in distribution of foodgrains under TPDS in certain regions/States
in the country. However, no such complaint in respect of State of Meghalaya has been received during the last one year.
As and when complaints are received by the Central Government from individuals and organizations as well as through press reports, they are sent to State/UT Governments concerned for inquiry and appropriate action. In view of the above, there
is no proposal for setting up a Committee to enquire in such cases of non-distribution of foodgrains to the poor.