Question : MONITORING SYSTEM FOR PDS

(a) whether the Government is aware of use of latest technology like on-line monitoring system, SMS alerts, public partnerships etc. employed by the Government of Punjab to monitor the Public Distribution System (PDS);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the extent to which this process of monitoring has been effective in checking diversion;

(c) whether the Government proposes to replicate it in other States; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to make PDS more efficient and effective?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. End-to-end computerisation of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) has been initiated by the State Government of Punjab. As per report received from the State Government, data relating to the ration cards in the State has been digitized and the door to door verification of the uploaded data is in progress. Further, State Government is seeding the ration cards with the Aadhaar number of the residents. However, no assessment regarding the effectiveness of this process including checking of diversion etc. has been made at present by the State Government.

(c) & (d) All States/UTs have been requested to undertake end-to-end computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), which comprises activities, namely, digitization of ration cards/beneficiary and other databases, computerization of supply-chain management, setting up of transparency portal and grievance redressal mechanisms, Fair Price Shop (FPS) automation, etc.

Strengthening and streamlining of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is a continuous process. Government has regularly reviewed and has issued instructions to States/UTs to strengthen functioning of TPDS by improving monitoring mechanism and vigilance, increased transparency in functioning of TPDS, adoption of revised Model Citizen’s Charter, use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and improving the viability of Fair Price Shop operations.