Question : FOOD STAMPS

(a) whether the Government proposes to issue food stamps for distribution of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) and (b) : There is no proposal to issue food stamps for distribution of foodgrains under the existing Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). However, as part of reforms in TPDS, some States/Union Territories (UTs) are issuing smart cards, food coupons, barcoded ration cards, etc for the delivery of TPDS commodities to the beneficiaries. These are at various stages of implementation.