(a) whether despite directions from the Government many States are yet to install finger scanner machines at ration shops;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the further action taken/proposed to be taken in this regard in order to plug leakages of subsidized foodgrains and ensure that the benefits reach the entitled beneficiaries; and
(c) the time by which the Government proposes to complete cent per cent
coverage in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a) to (c): This Department has prepared guidelines for Fair Price Shop (FPS) automation, which have been shared with all States/UTs. FPS automation involves, installation of Point of Sale (PoS) devices at FPS for authentication of beneficiaries, recording of sales to beneficiaries at the FPS; and uploading of transaction data in central server. As regards financial assistance, Government has approved FPS dealers’ margins (@ Rs. 87/qtl.) under NFSA which also includes reimbursement of Rs. 17/qtl. for their expenditure towards purchase and operations of the PoS/Mobile Tablet device at the FPS for automation. Such expenditure is to be shared between Centre and State Govts. On 75:25 basis for special category States/UTs and on 50:50 basis for general category States/UTs. Besides, Department has also pursued with States/UTs to opt for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for food grains. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for food grains have been implemented in 3 UTs namely Chandigarh, Puducherry and partially in Dadra & Nagar Haveli. None of the other State/UT has indicated its willingness to implement cash transfer scheme. Out of 5.28 lakh FPSs across the country, about 1,26,663 FPSs have been automated so far. All States/UTs have been requested to expedite the pace of FPS automation.
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