Question : PRIMARY RESOURCE CO-OPERATIVES IN PDS

(a) whether the Government has assessed the performance of Primary Resource Co-operatives involved in the functioning of Public Distribution System (PDS);

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(c) the standards/measures drawn for carrying out the said assessment; and

(d) the other steps taken for revamping the PDS?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) to (d): State/UT Governments have been requested to give priority to Women’s Self Help Groups, Co-operatives, Village Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies in allotment of Fair Price Shops. As per reports received from State Governments upto 31st March, 2010, out of 5.04 lakh fair price shops in the country, about 1.18 lakh fair price shops are being run by Women’s Self Help Groups, Co-operatives, Village Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies and other Self Help Groups.

Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2001 mandates the State and UT Governments to carry out all required action to ensure smooth functioning of TPDS. To improve functioning of TPDS, State/UT Governments have been requested to:  

(i)    review of lists of BPL and AAY families and ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at fair price shops;

(ii)    ensure greater transparency in functioning of TPDS;

(iii)   improve monitoring and vigilance at various levels; and

(iv)   introduce new technologies such as Computerization of TPDS operations at various levels and smart-card-based delivery of essential commodities.