Shortfall in off-take by Gujarat government deprived beneficiaries: CAG

GANDHINAGAR: The overall shortfall in the off-take of subsidised wheat and rice by Gujarat Government during 2008-13 has "deprived" the beneficiaries of the food grains, which were allotted by Centre, and also caused a loss of subsidy to the tune of Rs 2,652 crore, according to a CAG report.

"The overall shortfall in the off-take (2008-13) of wheat and rice by the state government was 33 per cent as against the allotment made by the Government of India. The shortfall in the off-take of wheat in APL, BPL and AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojna) categories was 56 per cent, 3 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively while the shortfall in offtake of rice was 77 per cent, 6 per cent and 3 per cent (in APL, BPL and AAY categories) respectively," the CAG report said.

The CAG report (2014) was tabled in the state Assembly on July 25. According to the report, the shortfall in the off-take deprived the beneficiaries concerned from getting subsidised food grains.

"This resulted in beneficiaries being deprived of the subsidised food grains and loss of subsidy to the tune of Rs 2651.79 crore (2008-13) to the state government due to non-lifting of subsidised food grains allotted by government of India," the report said. The report also pointed out "improper implementation" of the government schemes like ' Annam Brahmam Yojna' and 'Annapurna Yojna'.

"As against the target of 2,250 quintals per annum of food grains, only 241.80 quintals (11 per cent), 487.20 quintals (22 per cent), 480 quintals (21 per cent) were distributed under the 'Annam Brahmam Yojna' during 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively," according to the report.

It added that the food grains under the scheme were not distributed in 19 districts, 13 districts, 18 districts and 5 districts, respectively in years 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.