Additional allocation of 50 lakh tonnes of foodgrains for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families at BPL prices during 2013-14

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an allocation of 50 lakh tonnes of foodgrains to States/ Union Territories (UTs) during 2013-14 for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. This additional allocation of 50 lakh tonnes will remain valid for lifting upto 31st March, 2014 or till the National Food Security Bill is passed by Parliament and implemented in the respective States/UTs. The allocation will meet the additional requirement of foodgrains for BPL families.

The estimated subsidy on additional allocation of 50 lakh tones of foodgrains (rice and wheat) for BPL families in all the States/UTs at BPL prices during 2013-14 will be Rs.9471.22 crore.

Background:

Considering the sufficient availability of stock of foodgrains in the Central Pool and requests received from States/UTs, Government has been allocating additional BPL allocation of 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice to the States/UTs since 2010-11.

The Government of India is allocating foodgrains to the States/UTs under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) for 6.52 crore BPL families which include 2.43 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families.

SC/NK/SM

(Release ID :97288)