Computerization to Check Leakages in PDS

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. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

The Minister said that 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, Shri Thomas said.

He further added that 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.