India 2018

276 India 2018
Supply of Foodgrains to Welfare Institutions
With a view to meeting the requirement of welfare institutions viz., charitable
institutions such as beggar homes, nariniketans and other similar welfare
institutions not covered under TPDS or under any other welfare schemes, an
additional allocation of foodgrains (rice and wheat) not exceeding 5 per cent
of the BPL allocation is made to states/UTs at BPL prices. During 2016-17,
an allocation of 261071 tonnes of foodgrains (wheat/rice) under the scheme
was made to various states/UTs.
Supply of Foodgrains for SC/ST/OBC Hostels
This scheme was introduced in 1994. The residents of the hostels having 2/
3rd students belonging to SC/ST/OBC are eligible to get 15 kg foodgrains
per resident per month. Allocations of foodgrains under the scheme are
made by the Department of Food and Public Distribution based on the
requests received from the state/UT governments. During the year 2016-17,
an allocation of 240212 tonnes of foodgrains (wheat/rice) was made to
various states under the scheme.
Annapurna Scheme
This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. Indigent
senior citizens of 65 years of age or above who are not getting pension under
the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), are provided 10 kgs. of
foodgrains per person per month free of cost under the scheme. Foodgrains
are provided by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the
scheme at BPL prices. During 2016-17, a quantity of 7554 tonnes of rice was
allocated to the Ministry of Rural Development for further allocation to the
beneficiary.
Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic)
In addition to maintaining buffer stocks and for meeting the requirement of
the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes
(OWS), the FCI sells excess stocks of wheat and rice from the Central Pool
at predetermined prices in the open market from time to time under Open
Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) through e-tender to enhance the supply
especially during the lean season especially in the deficit regions.
Storage of Foodgrains
State-wise Capacities of FCI and State Agencies
FCI has its own grid of covered godowns in all states to safely stock the
central pool foodgrains. In addition, it hires capacity from Central
Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and state agencies like State Warehousing
Corporations as well as private parties. Sufficient storage capacity is available
and against 783.17 lakh MT capacity available, the central stock of foodgrains
stood at 555.40 lakh MT.