The requirement of storage capacity for foodgrains in States is assessed based on the procurement level, buffer stocks, requirement under Public Distribution System (PDS) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS). Storage capacity assessment in the procuring States is based on highest stock levels in the last three years and in consuming States on the basis of 4 months requirement of under PDS and OWS.

The details of proposals received for construction of godowns and the action taken thereon is as given below:-

1). The State Governments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura have sent proposals for construction of storage godowns under Central Sector Scheme (Grant-in-aid). The details of funds released under Central Sector Scheme for construction of intermediate godowns from 01.04.2017 to 01.02.2019 are at Annexure-I.

2). Further, the State Government of Nagaland has sent a proposal to Food Corporation of India (FCI) for construction of 5,000 MT godown and the Government has conveyed its approval to FCI.

3). The State Governments of Punjab and Haryana had requested to construct godowns under Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme. However, Government of India has decided to construct steel silos which are more scientific and a step towards modernization.

4). The details of Hill Transport Subsidy (HTS) provided to States/UTs are at Annexure-II. FCI conducts regular meetings with State Governments to expedite the release of payments.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri C.R. Chaudhary in Lok Sabha.