PIB Summary- 21th November, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Centre committed to efficient and transparent Public Distribution System

Context

The Government of India has revolutionised the Public Distribution System (PDS) by integrating digitization and Aadhaar-seeding, ensuring transparency and rightful targeting for 80.6 crore NFSA beneficiaries.

like e-PoS devices and the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative have minimised leakages.

Supply chain reforms further streamline foodgrain distribution nationwide.

Overview

• The Public Distribution System (PDS) ensures food security by distributing subsidized food grains to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
• The system currently covers 80.6 crore beneficiaries, with 20.4 crore household ration cards digitised.
  

Digitization and Aadhaar Integration

• 99.8% of ration cards and 98.7% of individual beneficiaries have been Aadhaar-seeded.
• Approximately 5.8 crore ineligible ration cards have been removed, ensuring rightful targeting.
• 64% of PDS beneficiaries have completed eKYC, with Aadhaar-linked eKYC in progress for others.

Distribution Mechanism

• Foodgrain distribution operational through 5.33 lakh e-PoS devices at nearly all Fair Price Shops (FPS) nationwide.
• Aadhaar authentication is used for 98% of total foodgrain distribution, reducing leakages and pilferage.

Supply Chain Reforms

• Implementation of the Supply Chain Management System for end-to-end tracking.
• Development of the Central Food Procurement Portal (CFPP) for streamlined procurement and MSP operations.
• Introduction of Warehouse Inventory Network and Governing System (WINGS) and Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) for real-time tracking of consignments.

One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)

• Objective: Ensures foodgrain access for NFSA beneficiaries nationwide using a single ration card.
• Portability: Allows ration access from any Fair Price Shop, irrespective of the origin state.
• Impact: Enhances food security for migrant workers.
• Technology: Operates through Aadhaar-enabled e-PoS devices, ensuring rightful targeting and reducing pilferage.

Through these reforms, India has established a transparent and efficient PDS, minimising leakages and improving food security.