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Lok Sabha
As per reports received from the State Governments 65 persons were determined under Prevention of Black marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, for black marketing of essential commodities during 2005 as on August 8, against 75 in 2004 and 107 in 2003.
Government has taken several measures to check diversion of foodgrains and to ensure that it reaches the targeted people which include:-
The Public Distribution System (Control) Order has been issued on August 31, 2001 under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. As per the provisions of the Order, willful adulterations, substitution, diversion, theft of stocks from the central godowns to fair price shops or at premises of the fair price shops shall be liable for criminal punishment under Section 7 of the Act.
State/UTs have been asked to actively involve the Gram Panchayats in rural areas and the local bodies in urban areas in the monitoring of the functioning of Fair Price Shops as a measure of social audit.
In order to efficiently reach the essential commodities under PDS to the Consumer in a transparent and accountable manner, a model Citizen’s Charter has been issued by the central government for adoption by the state governments.
This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Dr. Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a written reply.
SBK:CP:lok22.8
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