Lok Sabha Question No. 2124 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-29
Subject: Distribution of Poor Quality Foodgrains
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: P. KUMAR, T.G. VENKATESH BABU

2124.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2124

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH  November, 2016

## DISTRIBUTION OF POOR QUALITY FOODGRAINS

SHRI P. KUMAR:

SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  several  complaints  of  putrefied  and  poor  quality  foodgrains being  distributed  to  the  people  living  below  poverty  line  under  various foodgrains based welfare schemes are being constantly received, if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;
- (b) whether the foodgrains distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS) are tested by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), if so,  the  details  and  the  outcome  thereof  indicating  the  number  of  samples taken and the reports furnished during the same period, State-wise; and
- (c) whether the Government is aware of the increasing consumption of junk foods by children and its resultant health hazards in the country and if so, the corrective action taken in this regard?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a): State-wise  details  of  the  complaints  about  supply  of  poor  quality foodgrains under Public Distribution System  (PDS) and Other Welfare Schemes and action taken  by the Government during last three years and current year are at Annex-I.
- (b): Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection and random sampling of all the food items are being done by the State Food Safety Officers and sent to the  laboratories  recognized  by Food Safety  & Standards  Authority  of  India (FSSAI) for analysis. In cases where samples are found to be not conforming to the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made there under, recourse is taken to the penal provisions under Chapter IX of the Act.

No separate data is available with regard to PDS. However, as per the information  received  from  States/UTs,  the  consolidated  details  of  food samples collected, tested, found not conforming and action taken during the year 2015-16 is as follows:

- (i)
- No. of  samples analysed - 65,833
- (ii) No. of samples found to be non-conforming - 14,283
- (iii)
- No. of Prosecution Launched - 9,852
- (iv) Conviction - 516

## The State-wise details are at Annex-II.

- (c): 'Junk Food' is not defined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Regulations made there under. However, draft guidelines titled 'Guidelines  for  making  available  Wholesome,  Nutritious,  Safe  and  Hygienic Food  to  School  Children  in  India'  prepared  by  the  Expert  Group/Central Advisory Committee as per the directions of the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi in matter  of  Writ  Petition  (C)  No.8568  of  2010  titled  'Uday  Foundation  for Congenital Defects and Rare Blood Vs UOI & Others' , has been issued by the Food  Safety  and  Standards  Authority  of  India  on  12.10.2015  wherein  the availability  of  most  common  HFSS  (High  in  Fat,  Salt  and  Sugar)  Foods  in schools and an area within 50 meters thereof has been restricted/limited. The above  guidelines  have  been  shared  with  the  Ministry  of  Human  Resource Development for implementation.

****

## ANNEX-I ANNEX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2124 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH  NOVEMBER, 2016 IN LOK SABHA.

## STATE-WISE  DETAILS  OF  THE  COMPLAINTS  ABOUT  SUPPLY  OF  POOR  QUALITY FOODGRAINS  UNDER  PDS  AND  OTHER  WELFARE  SCHEMES  AND  ACTION  TAKEN  BY THE GOVERNMENT DURING LAST THREE YEARS AND CURRENT YEAR

| Year    | State          | Complaint                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Action Taken by the Government                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|---------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2016-17 | Maharashtra    | Complaint received in FCI from S.K. Shrivastava, India RTI News dated 30.08.2016 regarding supply of poor quality of Rice and Wheat to BPL quota under Dombivali Region (Thane), Maharashtra.                                                                                                                                                                                               | FCI got investigated the complaint and was not found to be true.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|         | Kerala         | News report published in 'MINT Delhi'' on 23.09.2016 titled wheat meant for PDS infested with worms - 8 tonnes of Wheat supplied to tribal children in Attapady, Palakkad was found to be infested with worms on 22.9.2016 .                                                                                                                                                                | The complaint was investigated by GM, FCI, Kerala Region. The stocks in question was issue after conducting joint inspection with the representative of WBNP Scheme, who have confirmed that the stocks were pest free. Complaint found baseless.                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|         | Uttar Pradesh  | Complaint dated 12.08.2016 & 15.09.2016 received in FCI from Sh. Atul Gupta, S/O Sh. Rammurti Gupta, Dist. Bahraich (UP) regarding storage of damaged rice stock in the godowns of District Bahraich (UP) regarding damage of lakhs of tonnes rice at District Bahraich, FCI due to negligence of officers & dispatch of poor quality rice under PDS and no action initiated on complaints. | The complaint was got investigated by FCI, Regional Office, UP. Centre under complaint was investigated jointly by officers of FCI and State Govt. and stock was found within specifications.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|         | Sikkim         | Joint Secretary, Govt. of Sikkim, Food & Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, informed to FCI regarding Poor Quality of Rice supplied from FCI Jorethang.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | FCI has informed that on examination of investigation report, FCI Regional Office has already informed to Secretary, Government of Sikkim on 02.05.2016 that only pest free FAQ stock have been issued from FSD, Jorethang with full satisfaction of Inspector-in-Charge, Government of Sikkim in term of quality and quantity. The issue was also discussed by General Manager, West Bengal, FCI over phone with Secretary (Food), |
|         | Madhya Pradesh | A complaint made by Shri Kishore Samrite, Dist. Balaghat, (MP) regarding issue of poor quality rice under TPDS at Balaghat, Siwan, Katni, Jabalpur & Mandla District of MP.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | The complaint was forwarded to CMD, FCI and Principle Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection, Government of MP to get the complaint investigated. MP being a DCP State, complaint regarding distribution of substandard/inferior quality stocks primarily related to State Govt.                                                                                                                                     |

| 2015-16   | NCT, Delhi     | A complaint was received from Indraprastha Welfare Association, New Delhi regarding Supply of poor quality of foodgrain in Moti Nagar, Area of Delhi                                                                                                              | The complaint was got investigated by deputing an officer of the Ministry. The complaint was not found to be true.                                                                                                                                   |
|-----------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           | Maharashtra    | A complaint received from Secretary, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Govt. of Maharashtra - regarding supply of luster loss wheat from FCI base depot, Jalgoan and MSWC, Nanded.                                                          | Instructions were issued to all State Governments to accept the luster loss wheat procured during RMS 2015-16 under the relaxed specifications as luster lost wheat is as nutritious as sound wheat only shining is less and the quality of wheat is |
|           | Jammu& Kashmir | A complaint was received from Director of Consumer affair & P.D. Deptt, Kashmir- regarding Supply of below standard quality wheat under Wheat Relaxation Scheme.                                                                                                  | intact and good. -do-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|           | Kerala         | A complaint was received from Kerala Ration Wholesale Distributor Federation, Kottayam in FCI regarding five bags of damaged rice from FSD Valianthura to PDS.                                                                                                    | The complaint was got investigated by Area Manager Thiruvanathapuram and found that stock were lifted by State Government nominee after proper acknowledgement about their satisfaction on quality.                                                  |
| 2014- 15  | Tamil Nadu     | A complaint was received from Shri B Lokanathan, resident of Coimbatore regarding supply of foodgrains beyond Food Safety Standard under PDS in Tamil Nadu in                                                                                                     | The complaint was forwarded to CMD, FCI to investigate the complaint. FCI has informed that action taken against through the delinquents.                                                                                                            |
|           | NCT Delhi      | July 2014. A complaint was received from Delhi Jan Kalyan Vikas Manch, Mangolpuri regarding supply of substandard foodgrains from FSD Ghevra with the connivance of depot incharge FSD Ghevra and incharge of Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation in July 2014 | The complaint was forwarded to CMD, FCI and Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies, Government of NCT Delhi to get the complaint investigated and to ensure supply good quality foodgrains to be issued under PDS.                                         |
|           | Odisha         | A complaint has been received from Shri Ganesh Lal Aggarwal, Sr. Citizen, Sambalpur, Odisha regarding supply of poor quality of rice under PDS in October 2014.                                                                                                   | The complaint was investigated by an officer of this Department and not found to be true.                                                                                                                                                            |
|           | Kerala         | A complaint has been received in FCI from Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, North Paravur Depot regarding supply of 17 bags of rice from FSD Angamally for Mid Day Meal Scheme in October 2014                                                         | General Manager (Region), FCI, Kerala had informed that the complaint was not found to be true.                                                                                                                                                      |
|           | Madhya Pradesh | CBI Jabalpur Branch has forwarded a complaint to FCI made by Sh. Santosh Shrivastava, resident of Narsinghpure (MP) regarding supply of poor quality foodgrains in PDS                                                                                            | The complaint was forwarded to Secretary (Food) Govt. of Madhya Pradesh by FCI to get the matter investigated and submit the same to CBI directly since the allegation relates to PDS in the State.                                                  |

| 2013-14   | Uttar Pradesh   | A complaint was received from Shri Atul Gupta, Resident of Baharaich regarding issue of sub-standard rice stocks received from Shajahanpur under PDS. A complaint was received from J N Rai resident of Sirsiyan, District Gorakhpur                                                                                                       | CMD, FCI has been requested to investigate the matter and ensure supply of good quality foodgrains to State Governments. Principal Secretary (Food & Civil Supplies Department), Government of Uttar Pradesh has also been requested to ensure that good quality foodgrains are issued underPDS to consumers. The complaint was forwarded to Principal Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh to investigate the                                                       |
|-----------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|           | Kerala          | A complaint was received from Shri Suresh Kumar, resident of Calicut regarding supply of inferior quality of foodgrains under PDS in Kerala.                                                                                                                                                                                               | The complaint was got investigated by deputing an officer of this Ministry and the officers from FCI. Based on the report CMD, FCI was requested to take remedial measures for upgradation of the stocks before issue under PDS as also action against delinquents and ensure that only good quality foodgrains are issued under PDS. Principal Secretary (Food & Civil Supplies), Government of Kerala has also been requested to ensure that good quality foodgrains are issued underPDS to consumers. |
|           | Maharashtra     | A compliant was received in FCI from Directorate of Social Justice, Thiruvanantpuram dated 21.11.2013 regarding supply of contaminated wheat by FCI Kollam, Kerala A complaint was received from Shri Anil Mishra, Member of Legislative Council, Maharashtra regarding supply of inferior quality of foodgrains under PDS in Maharashtra. | apprised to the Directorate of Social Justice, Thiruvanantpuram. The complaint has been forwarded to CMD, FCI and Principal Secretary (Food & Civil Supplies), Government of Maharashtra for investigation and necessary action. They have also been requested to ensure the supply and distribution of good quality foodgrains issued under PDS.                                                                                                                                                        |

## ANNEX-II

## ANNEX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2124 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH  NOVEMBER, 2016 IN LOK SABHA.

| Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report         | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   | Annual Public Laboratory Testing Report   |
|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Sr. No                                    | Name of the State/ U.T.                   | Total No. of samples received             | No. of Samples Analysed                   | No. of Samples found adulterated and Misbranded | No. of Cases Launched                     | No. of Cases Launched                     | No. of Convictions/ Penalties             | No. of Convictions/ Penalties             |
| Sr. No                                    | Name of the State/ U.T.                   | Total No. of samples received             | No. of Samples Analysed                   | No. of Samples found adulterated and Misbranded | Criminal                                  | Civil                                     | Convictio ns                              | Penalties/ Amount raised in Rupees        |
| 1.                                        | A&NIslands                                | 156                                       | 156                                       | 25                                              | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         | Rs. 2,71,000                              |
| 2.                                        | Andhra Pradesh                            | 4860                                      | 4860                                      | 870                                             | 194                                       | 347                                       | 4                                         | 83/ Rs. 52,15,000                         |
| 3.                                        | Arunachal Pradesh                         | 290                                       | 290                                       | 30                                              | 0                                         | 28                                        | 0                                         | 5/ Rs. 15,000                             |
| 4.                                        | Assam                                     | 503                                       | 503                                       | 72                                              | 10                                        | 80                                        | 2                                         | 4                                         |
| 5.                                        | Bihar                                     | 2032                                      | 1447                                      | 35                                              | 0                                         | 93                                        | 0                                         | 4/ RS. 20,000                             |
| 6.                                        | Chandigarh                                | 206                                       | 206                                       | 15                                              |                                           | 15                                        | 0                                         | Rs. 10,52,000                             |
| 7.                                        | Chhattisgarh                              | 1026                                      | 1026                                      | 298                                             | 3                                         | 17                                        | 0                                         | Rs. 85,000                                |
| 8.                                        | Dadra& N.H                                | 65                                        | 65                                        | 5                                               | 0                                         | 2                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         |
| 9.                                        | Daman & Diu                               | 106                                       | 106                                       | 11                                              | 0                                         | 11                                        | 0                                         | 0                                         |
| 10.                                       | Delhi                                     | 1472                                      | 1472                                      | 239                                             | 149                                       | 0                                         | 0                                         | Rs. 44,82,500                             |
| 11.                                       | Goa                                       | 1132                                      | 1155                                      | 72                                              | 0                                         | 4                                         | 1                                         | 1/ Rs. 5,000                              |
| 12.                                       | Gujarat                                   | 15115                                     | 14891                                     | 1242                                            | 30                                        | 507                                       | 1                                         | 182/ Rs. 1,90,05,906                      |
| 13.                                       | Haryana                                   | 2121                                      | 2063                                      | 180                                             | 7                                         | 149                                       | 0                                         | 111/ Rs. 27,43,600                        |
| 14.                                       | Himachal Pradesh                          | 415                                       | 390                                       | 53                                              | 22                                        | 12                                        | 25                                        | Rs. 9,50,000                              |
| 15.                                       | Jammu& Kashmir*                           | 1354                                      | 1215                                      | 334                                             | 1                                         | 335                                       | 215                                       | Rs. 22,14,400                             |
| 16.                                       | Jharkhand                                 |                                           |                                           |                                                 |                                           |                                           |                                           |                                           |
| 17.                                       | Karnataka                                 | 2894                                      | 2340                                      | 433                                             |                                           | 58                                        | 0                                         | Rs. 4,36,000                              |
| 18.                                       | Kerala                                    | 2364                                      | 2196                                      | 459                                             | 138                                       | 246                                       | 17                                        | 44 / Rs. 66,33,500                        |
| 19.                                       | Lakshadweep                               |                                           |                                           |                                                 |                                           |                                           |                                           | 0                                         |
| 20.                                       | Madhya Pradesh                            | 10035                                     | 9994                                      | 1311                                            | 82                                        | 879                                       | 36                                        | 447/ Rs. 4,48,26,000                      |
| 21.                                       | Maharashtra                               | 2019                                      | 1400                                      | 345                                             | 396                                       | 85                                        |                                           | Rs. 12,25,500                             |
| 22.                                       | Manipur                                   | 67                                        | 67                                        | 0                                               | 0                                         | 8                                         | 8                                         | 8/ Rs. 1,64,000                           |
| 23.                                       | Meghalaya                                 | 124                                       | 87                                        | 4                                               | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         |
| 24.                                       | Mizoram                                   | 24                                        | 17                                        | 4                                               | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         |
| 25.                                       | Nagaland                                  | 187                                       | 187                                       | 76                                              |                                           | 32                                        | 20                                        | 20/ Rs. 10,000                            |
| 26.                                       | Odisha                                    | 211                                       | 211                                       | 61                                              |                                           | 2                                         |                                           | 1                                         |
| 27.                                       | Puducherry                                | 827                                       | 827                                       | 11                                              | 0                                         | 1                                         | 0                                         | 1/ Rs. 5,000                              |
| 28.                                       | Punjab                                    |                                           |                                           |                                                 |                                           |                                           |                                           |                                           |
| 29.                                       | Rajasthan                                 |                                           |                                           |                                                 |                                           |                                           |                                           |                                           |
| 30.                                       | Sikkim                                    | 5                                         | 5                                         | 0                                               | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         | 0                                         |
| 31.                                       | Tamil Nadu                                | 1742                                      | 1783                                      | 607                                             | 107                                       | 308                                       | 23                                        | 202/ Rs. 58,90,800                        |
| 32.                                       | Telangana                                 |                                           |                                           |                                                 |                                           |                                           |                                           |                                           |
| 33.                                       | Tripura                                   | 814                                       | 814                                       | 17                                              |                                           | 5                                         | 0                                         | Rs. 2,750                                 |
| 34.                                       | Uttar Pradesh                             | 17726                                     | 14833                                     | 7189                                            | 506                                       | 4864                                      | 164                                       | 2370/ Rs. 11,51,20,480                    |
| 35.                                       | Uttra khand                               | 1073                                      | 1073                                      | 183                                             | 10                                        | 95                                        | 0                                         | Rs. 15,35,000                             |
| 36.                                       | West Bengal                               | 154                                       | 154                                       | 102                                             | 1                                         | 13                                        | 0                                         | 0                                         |
|                                           | Total:                                    | 71,119                                    | 65,833                                    | 14,283                                          | 1,656                                     | 8196                                      | 516                                       | 3,483/ Rs. 21,19,08,436                   |

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