Centre steps in to check grain misuse

States told to check diversion of targeted PDS grain.

Concerned about the estimated diversion of 37 per cent of grain from the targeted public distribution system (TPDS), the Centre has asked state governments to to curb the malpractice.

It has also asked the states to accept a 10 per cent cut in their quota of wheat, to be replaced by rice, to enable the Centre tide over the tight wheat supply position. The leakages and diversion of TPDS grain to other sources is the highest in the north-eastern states.

"An ORG-Marg survey indicates that the diversion of wheat is to the extent of 100 per cent and rice varying from 37.2 per cent in Assam to 97.7 in Manipur," Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said at a conference of state food ministers here today. The meet focused on the issue of strengthening the TPDS and curbing diversion of grain.

Pawar said the grain diversion proportion in other states varied for wheat from 13.5 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir to 86.6 per cent in West Bengal and for rice from 33.4 per cent in Chhattisgarh to 64.3 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed doubt over the veracity of grain utilisation certificates sent by states to the Centre.These certificates were being sent in a routine manner by food secretaries.

Pawar wanted the states to address the three key issues before the TPDS "" identification of beneficiaries; viability of fair price shops network; and effective monitoring at various levels. The states were asked to emulate the good example set by some states in ensuring smooth functioning of the TPDS.

These included computerisation of PDS operations in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat; allotting fair price shops to panchayats and women's self-help groups in Chhattisgarh; roaming ration cards in Gujarat; and ration coupons or tickets issued in Rajasthan.

Some of the state governments, however, disputed the grain diversion figures computed by ORG-Marg as well as the Programme Evaluation Organisation of the Planning Commission and wanted a fresh probe into the matter. The Centre accepted this plea and announced that another study would be undertaken by the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

It was decided at the meeting that eating habits of people would be taken into consideration while issuing grain (wheat, rice or coarse grains) from the TPDS.

The state food ministers also agreed to meet again after about six months to review progress made in revamping the TPDS and curbing diversion of foodgrains from it.