PER-CAPITA CONSUMPTION
OF FOODGRAINS
It is estimated that
the average per capita consumption of foodgrains was 12.45 kg.
per month in 1999-2000. The average per capita consumption of
foodgrains of persons below the poverty line was 11.45 kg. per
month in 1999-2000. The allocation of foodgrains to both BPL and
APL categories of population has been enhanced to 35 kg. per family
per month under the Targetd Public Distribution System (TPDS).
However, TPDS is supplemental in nature.
For streamlining
the functioning of the public distribution system and to make
it more effective and accountable, the Public Distribution System
(Control) Order, 2001 had been issued. Any offence committed in
violation of the provisions of the Order invokes criminal liability
under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. All the State Governments/
UTs have also been advised to substantially involve the Gram Panchayats
and Gram Sabhas in rural areas and local bodies in urban areas
for the supervision and the monitoring of the Public Distribution
System, especially at the fair price shop level, as a measure
of social audit.
This information
was given in Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri V. Sreenivasa Prasad
in a written reply.
