Strengthening of PDS

With a view to specifically target poor sections of society, Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) was launched in 1997. Under TPDS, foodgrains (rice and wheat) @ 35 kg per family per month are allocated to States/Union Territories (UTs) for 6.52 crore accepted number of Below Poverty Line (BPL)/Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families for distribution at subsidized prices through Fair Price Shops. Allocation of foodgrains are also made to Above Poverty Line (APL) families depending upon the availability of foodgrains in Central pool and past offtake. Presently, the allocations of foodgrains to APL families range between 15 kg to 35 kg per family per month. This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister for Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution System in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

The Minister stated that strengthening and streamlining of TPDS is a continuous process. To improve functioning of TPDS, Government has been regularly requesting State/UT Governments for continuous review of lists of BPL and AAY families, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at Fair Price Shops (FPSs), ensuring greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, improved monitoring and vigilance at various levels and introduction of new technologies such as Computerization of TPDS operations at various levels. States/UTs have also been advised to improve the viability of FPSs by enlarging the basket of commodities by adding non-PDS items for sale through FPSs, rationalization of commission to FPS dealers, door-step delivery of foodgrains, etc. the Minister added.