(a) whether the Government proposes to open shops/outlets for Distribution under the Public
Distribution System (PDS) in collaboration with co-operative societies and Non-Governmental Organisations;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken for strengthening PDS?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) to (b): Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is implemented jointly by Government of India and State
/Union Territory (UT) Governments with sharing of responsibilities in this regard. The responsibilities for
allocation of foodgrains within State/UT, identification of eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) families based
on estimates of Planning Commission, issuance of ration cards to them and distribution of allocated foodgrains
to eligible ration card holders through fair price shops and supervision of the functioning of Fair Price
Shops, etc., rest with the State/UT Governments.
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.
(c): 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)Â review of lists of BPL and AAY families and ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at fair price
shops;
(ii)Â ensure greater transparency in functioning of TPDS;
(iii)Â improve monitoring and vigilance at various levels; and
(iv)Â introduce new technologies such as Computerization of TPDS operations at various levels
and smart-card-based delivery of essential commodities.