(a) whether the Government is facing problems due to lack of coordination amidst different organisations involved in the Food for Work Programme;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is too much time-gap between the receipt of requests for foodgrains from the district Administrations and actual release by the Centre;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for supply of foodgrains under the Programme ?
MINSTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)
(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 427 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 23/4/2002
The Food for Work Programme was started in January, 2001 as a temporary Scheme to provide relief in the calamity affected areas and remained in operation till 31st March, 2002. The Programme was implemented in 239 notified Districts of 11 States. On receipt of requests from the concerned State Governments, the Ministry of Rural Development allocated foodgrains, District-wise, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and, on the basis of authorization of the Ministry of Rural Development, foodgrains were released to the State Governments by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
2. During the period January 2001 to March, 2002, against the allocation of 40.32 lakh tonnes of foodgrains, 35.99 lakh tonnes (89%) were lifted from FCI Depots. As per the latest progress report available with the Ministry, 31.85 lakh tonnes (79%) of foodgrains were utilized and distributed to beneficiaries. The high percentage of lifting would not have been possible had there been delay/lack of coordination in the implementation of the Food for Work Programme.