Question : IT IN PDS

(a) whether the Government is considering to adopt technology like radio Frequency Identification and Biometric devices to monitor the distribution of foodgrains and food products under the Public Distribution System (PDS);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is considering to integrate PDS with Unique Identification Number;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the target to distribute 1.71 million tonnes of rice and 0.79 million tonnes of wheat before March, 2011 has been achieved; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (d): Government of India has taken up the computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in a phased manner to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the TPDS. In the first phase, the scheme on Computerization of TPDS Operations had been approved to be implemented on pilot basis in three districts each of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Delhi. A pilot scheme on Smart Card based delivery of essential commodities had been initiated in Chandigarh (UT) and Haryana.  Under the scheme, existing ration cards were to be replaced by Smart Cards.

A scheme for curbing leakages/diversion of foodgrains using technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), etc. had also been suggested during the 11th Five Year Plan. Under the scheme, GPS sets have been installed on vehicles carrying TPDS commodities in the States of Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh on a pilot basis.

States/UTs have been informed that the Aadhaar platform can be used to improve service delivery of schemes being implemented by them and that a roadmap for adoption and use of Aadhaar should be drawn up and implemented. States/UTs have also been requested to make relevant efforts to digitize their ration card databases and introduce Aadhaar in PDS.

(e) & (f): During 2010-11, Government has made allocation of 355.97 lakh tons of rice and 276.49 lakh tons of wheat under TPDS, other welfare schemes, ad-hoc additional allocations, etc.