Lok Sabha Question No. 2560 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-14
Subject: PDS and e-Governance in PRIs
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Nayab Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2560

ANSWERED ON-14.12.2021

## PDS AND E-GOVERNANCE IN PRIS

## †2560. SHRI NAYAB SINGH:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken concrete steps to improve the quality of Public Distribution System (PDS) and e-governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  encourage  the  representation  and participation of transgenders in the decision making of Panchayats and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL)

(a) Yes Sir. Under Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms, Department of Food and Public Distribution implemented a scheme on 'End-to-End computerization of Targeted PDS to  improve  the  efficiency  &  transparency  of  the  distribution  of  food  grains  system  and  to address other challenges, such as leakages and diversion of food grains, elimination of fake and bogus ration cards etc. Under this scheme, ration cards/beneficiaries database have been completely  digitized  in  all  States/UTs,  transparency  portal  and  online  grievance  redressal facilities/toll-free numbers have been implemented in all States/UTs, online allocation has been implemented in all States/UTs (except UTs of Chandigarh and Puducherry which have adopted DBT  Cash  Transfer  scheme)  and  supply  chain  has  been  computerized  in  31  States/UTs. Further, the Automation of Fair Price Shops (FPS) is also being done in all States/UTs by installing electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices at the FPSs for the distribution of food grains in a transparent manner(electronically) and for unique identification of genuine beneficiaries through biometric/Aadhaar authentication on the ePoS device. At present, out of 5.33 lakh FPSs, about 5.07 lakh (95.0%) of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) across the country have installed ePoS devices.

Under  Digital  India  Programme,  Ministry  of  Panchayati  Raj  is  implementing  e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project, in the country to revamp the functioning of Panchayats and to make them  more  transparent,  accountable  and  effective.  Ministry  launched  eGramSwaraj  a simplified  work-based  Accounting  application  to  address  various  aspects  of  Panchayat functioning viz. planning, accounting, budgeting. Further, Ministry has also integrated e-Gram

SWARAJ with Public Financial Management System for Gram Panchayats to make real time payments  to  vendors/service  providers.  Currently,  2,58,695  Panchayati  Raj  Institutions (including District Panchayat, Block Panchayat, Gram Panchayat) have prepared Panchayat Development Plans for Financial Year 2021-22. Further, 2,31,162 Panchayati Raj Institutions have  onboarded  eGramSwaraj-Public  Financial  Management  System  Interface  for  15th Finance  Commission  and  1,76,825Panchayati  Raj  Institutions  have  carried  out  online transactions.

(b) According to the seventh schedule, local government is a State subject. Article 243 of Part  IX  of  the  Constitution,  which  contains  provisions  dealing  with  Panchayat,  does  not differentiate amongst persons on the basis of their sex.  Under Article 243D of the constitution provisions have been made for reservation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Women. Legislatures of States have also been empowered to make provision for reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at any level in favour of backward class  of  citizens  in  terms  of  clause  (6)  of  Article  243D  of  the  constitution.  Transgenders belonging to these categories are accordingly eligible to participate in the decision-making process of Panchayats.

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