Under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), implemented in all the States/Union Territories (UTs), allocation of foodgrains is being made for all accepted number of 6.52 crore Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, including 2.43 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families indentified by the States/UTs in the country @ 35 kg. per family per month. Government of India supplies the foodgrains to all the States/Union Territories (UTs) for the BPL and AAY families at highly subsidized prices since 01.04.2002, as is indicated below:

Central Issue Price (CIP):

                                                            (in Rs per kg)

In the case of BPL families, margin cost for Fair Price Shop owners may be charged in the end retail price.  However, in the case of AAY, the end retail price will be retained at the above CIPs. Over the years, lifting of foodgrains against the BPL and AAY categories has increased from 82% & 90% respectively in 2004-05 to 99% & 95% respectively in 2011-12. 

  Allocations of rice and wheat are also made at BPL rate under Other Welfare Schemes such as- Midday Meals Scheme, Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP), Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (Sabla), Annapurna Scheme, Emergency Feeding Programme, etc.

 LEVY SUGAR:  In February, 2001, the Central Government, in a move toward better targeting of Public Distribution system (PDS), has restricted the supply of levy sugar under the PDS to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families except in the North Eastern States, Hill States and Island Territories where universal coverage was allowed to continue on the basis of 2001 census.

VANASPATI OIL: In order to provide relief to consumers especially BPL households, since 2008, a scheme for distribution of subsidized imported edible oils through States/UTs has been implemented by Government for distribution of edible oils to ration card holders with a Central subsidy of Rs. 15/- per kg. The scheme was extended in 2009-10, 2010-11 and further period upto 30.9.2012. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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NCJ