REVAMPING OF THE EXISTING PDS

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RAJYA SABHA

Several steps have been initiated by the Government to strengthen the Public Distribution System. These steps inter-alia include promulgation of PDS(Control) Order, constitution of Task Force, implementation of Antyodaya Anna Yojana, enhancing the scale of issue for the BPL families from 25 kg to 35 kg per family per month. As per PDS(Control) Order the State Governments shall ensure a proper system of monitoring of fair price shops(FPS), regular inspection of FPS at least once in six months, holding of regular meetings of Vigilance Committee at State, District, Block and FPS levels and report periodically on utilisation of foodgrains allocated to them. They are also required to make arrangement for distribution of PDS commodities in a transparent and accountable manner by involving PRIs in rural areas and local bodies in urban areas.

This information was given in the Rajya Sabha today by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri U.V. Krishnam Raju in reply to a question of Shri R.P. Goenka.

The Government has also constituted a Task Force for checking irregularities brought to the notice of the Government and also for general inspection/monitoring of the implementation of TPDS and Antyodaya Anna Yojana in identified areas.

The Minister also informed that there is no programme for consumers implemented through ‘Welfare Council’. However, the Government provides financial assistance to establish one District Consumer Information Centre(DCIC) in each district of the country. So far, 34 DCICs in 18 States have been provided financial assistance from Consumer Welfare Fund.