Question : OVERHAULING OF PDS

(a) whether several shortcomings have been identified in the implementation of the Public Distribution System (PDS);

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government is considering to revamp/overhauling the PDS across the country so as to make it more efficient and responsive to public needs;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether any committee has been formed in this regard; and

(f) if so, the details and the outcome thereof alongwith the action taken by the Government thereon?

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 (f): Government has been getting the functioning of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) evaluated from time to time. These evaluation studies have, inter-alia, pointed out inclusion/exclusion errors, leakages/diversion of foodgrains, etc.To streamline the functioning of the TPDS, a Nine-Point Action Plan was evolved in 2006, which is under implementation by the State/UT Governments.As a result of implementation of this action plan, 25 State/UT Governments have reported by 30.9.2010, deletion of 178.87 lakh bogus/ineligible ration cards. A State-wise list of bogus/ineligible ration cards deleted by State/UT Governments as on 30.09.2010 is at Annex-I.

Strengthening and streamlining of TPDS is a continuous process. To improve functioning of TPDS, Government has been regularly requesting State/UT Governments for continuous review of lists of BPL and AAY families, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at FPSs,ensuring greater transparency in functioning of TPDS,improved monitoring and vigilance at various levels and introduction of new technologies such as Computerization of TPDS operations at various levels.

In pursuance of decisions taken in the first meeting of the Core Group of Central Ministers and State Chief Ministers regarding prices of essential commodities held on 8.4.2010, the following three Working Groups have been constituted;

1. Working Group on Agriculture Production

2. Working Group on Consumer Affairs

3. Working Group on Food and Public Distribution

The Working Group on Food and Public Distribution is chaired by Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and includes Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister, Assam and Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister as other Members.

The Working Group is deliberating on and will recommend measures for better and effective delivery of essential commodities to the vulnerable sections of the society and augmentation of warehouses & storage capacity including cold chain.

Terms of Reference of the Group includes suggestions of strategies/plans of action, inter-alia, for:

(i) Finalizing number of BPL beneficiaries

(ii) Streamlining and strengthening TPDS

(iii) Web enabled computerization of PDS System (including FCI godowns)

(iv) Enhancing storage capacity.