Question : Implementation of PDS

(a) whether the implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) has been adversely affected due to lack of coordination between the Union and State Governments and irregularities in the system, if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken in this regard;

(b) whether a nine point action plan has been prepared to eliminate ghost ration cards, reduce leakages and bring greater transparency in the conduct of TPDS operations, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the nine point action plan has failed to achieve the desired results, if so, the details thereof;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to achieve success under the aforesaid nine point action plan;
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(e) whether a rejuvenated approach has been adopted for TPDS during the Twelfth Plan Period, if so, the details and the outcome thereof along with the success achieved therein; and

(f) the extent of IT/computerisation adopted in the PDS along with the benefits accruing therefrom?

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)


(a) to (d): Under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the Central Government is responsible for procurement, allocation and transportation of foodgrains upto the designated depots of Food Corporation of India. The operational responsibilities for lifting and distributing the allocated foodgrains within the States/UTs, identification of eligible beneficiaries, issuance of ration cards to them and supervision over distribution of allocated foodgrains to eligible cardholders through Fair Price Shops (FPSs) are that of State/UT Governments.

TPDS is operated under the joint responsibility of Central and State/UT Governments wherein close coordination is maintained for its smooth implementation. Consultations are regularly held with States/UTs before implementing various legislative/policy measures, preparing schemes for strengthening of TPDS, etc. Central Government also issues periodic advisories and holds meetings, conferences, etc. with States/UTs from time to time regarding issues relating to implementation of TPDS such as correct identification of beneficiaries, leakage free distribution of foodgrains, transparency in TPDS operations, etc.

Under the joint responsibility, complaints/irregularities in implementation of TPDS in various region of the country as and when received in this Department are referred to the concerned State/UT Government for inquiry and appropriate action.

A Nine Point Action Plan for curbing the leakages/diversion of foodgrains under TPDS was evolved in July, 2006 in consultation with the State/UT Governments. Government has been regularly monitoring the action being taken by States/UTs including issuing advisories, holding conferences etc. wherein State/UT Governments are requested to implement the Nine Point Action Plan.
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Point-wise and State/UT-wise details of the action taken under the Nine Point Action Plan as reported by the States/UTs upto 31.12.2014 are at Annex – I and II respectively.

(e) & (f): With a view to modernise the system and plug leakages, the Government has initiated a Plan scheme on End-to-end Computerisation of TPDS Operations during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) on cost sharing basis with States/UTs which would facilitate digitization of ration cards/beneficiary and other databases, computerization of supply-chain management, setting up of transparency portals and grievances redressal mechanism. Based on the reports received from States/UTs and NIC, the activity-wise progress in States/UTs is at Annex -III. Action has also been initiated for implementation of Fair Price Shop (FPS) automation. 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.

To further strengthen the efforts to address the food security of the people, Government of India has notified the National Food Security Act, 2013 on 10.09.2013. The Act inter-alia contains provisions for right to receive foodgrains at subsidised prices by persons belonging to eligible households under TPDS. The Act further provides for various reforms in TPDS, to be undertaken progressively by the Central and State/UT Governments. These reforms inter alia include door-step delivery of foodgrains at the FPS, application of information and communication technology tools including end to end computerisation, preference to public institutions/bodies in licensing of FPSs, etc.

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