Question : FOODGRAINS FOR TEA GARDEN WORKERS

(a) whether the Government has decided to stop the supply of subsidized foodgrains to the tea garden workers of Assam recently;

(b) if so, the whether the said move would ad- versely affect a large number of workers and their families covered under the foodgrain supply scheme in Assam;

(c) whether the Government has received requests from the State Government or other organizations/ individuals for continuing the supply of subsidi- zed foodgrains for tea garden workers; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAMVILAS PASWAN)

(a) to (d): No, Madam. Government of India allocates foodgrains (rice and wheat) to the State of Assam under Targeted Public Distri- bution System (TPDS). Further responsibi- lity for proper identification of benefi- ciaries, issuance of ration cards to them within the ceiling prescribed under the TPDS, lifting of the allocated foodgrains and their proper distribution within the State to the eligible beneficiaries through the network of fair price shops (FPSs) rests with the State Government.

Requests have been received from State Government, Honble Members of Parliament and some organizations for supply of subsidized foodgrains to tea garden workers. The Government of India has enacted National Food Security Act (NFSA) w.e.f. 05.07.2013 which provides highly subsidized foodgrains to the beneficiaries identified by the respective State Government under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority categories as per 2011 population estimates. It has been intimated by the State Government that NFSA ration cards have been issued to all selected beneficiaries including tea garden workers. Once the State Government implements the NFSA, all these beneficiaries identified by the State would be en- titled for the prescribed quantity of foodgrains as per the provisions of the Act.