Indian Government Takes Measures To Implement Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)

The Indian government has taken measures to implement TPDS to ensure better targeting of food subsidies.

The Indian government has taken different measures in implementation of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in States of India, for better targeting of food subsidies, removing bogus ration cards, ensuring timely availability of food grains, check on leakage or diversion of food grains and introducing public accountability.

For proper functioning of TPDS, PDS (Control) Order, 2001 mandates the States and UTs of India.

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The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 prescribes essential reforms in the TPDS.

The Indian government has taken up with States and UTs for implementing measures such as door-step delivery of foodgrains, correct identification of beneficiaries, improve foodgrains offtake, monitoring and vigilance, improving viability of fair price shop operations.

Best Practices among States and UTs in TPDS implementation are shared for use by other States and UTs. With a view to modernize the system, the Government has initiated a Plan Scheme on End-to-end Computerization of TPDS operations on cost sharing basis with States and 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.

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This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.