INCREASE IN FOOD SUBSIDY BILL

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RAJYA SABHA

During 1996-97 the total food subsidy released was Rs. 5,166 crore whereas during 2002-03 the total food subsidy released was Rs. 24,176 crore which is an increase of 368 per cent.

The accounts of the quantities of foodgrains distributed under the various schemes are maintained by the Government. However, the responsibility of ensuring that the foodgrains reach the actual beneficiaries lies with the State Governments.

The value of transit loss for the last three years are as under:-

Rs. in crore

2000-2001	118.92
2001-2002	118.33
2002-2003	108.29

 

The total shortages (Transit plus storage losses) regularized during the last three years are as under:-

Rs. in crore

2000-2001	180.23
2001-2002	171.95
2002-2003	162.40

This information was given in Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Subhash Maharia in a written reply .