Lok Sabha Question No. 2150 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-12
Subject: TPDS in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2150

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12TH MARCH,  2025

## TPDS IN TAMIL  NADU

## 2150. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

Will  the Minister of  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND  PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps taken by the Government to implement the reforms under the Targeted Public  Distribution  System (TPDS)  across the country  and the current status of  these reforms in the State of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) whether the  introduction of  technologies such as Aadhaar-based authentication,  Epos machines and automated supply chain management improved the efficiency and transparency of the TPDS in Tamil Nadu and if  so, the details thereof;
- (c) the coverage of TPDS in  Tamil Nadu and the number of households currently receiving foodgrains and other subsidized commodities under the system;
- (d) the details of the measures being taken by the Government to ensure that the benefits of the TPDS reforms reach the marginalized sections of  society particularly  in  rural and remote areas of Tamil Nadu;
- (e) whether there have been any challenges or issues in the implementation of the TPDS reforms such as leakages or delays;  and
- (f) if  so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government to address these concerns?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

(a) &  (b): As part of the technology driven Targeted Public Distribution  System (TPDS) reforms, with  the aim  to  improve  the  efficiency  and reduce leakages in the  TPDS, ration cards/beneficiaries database  have  been  completely digitized (100%) in all States/UTs (including Tamil Nadu). The transparency portal and online grievance redressal facility/Tollfree number have been implemented in  all States/UTs (including  Tamil  Nadu). Also,  online allocation has been implemented in  all  States/UTs (except UTs of  Chandigarh, Puduchemy and Urban area of Dadra & Nagar Haveli which have adopted DBT  Cash Transfer scheme) and supply chain has been computerized in 31 States/UTs (including  Tamil  Nadu). Further, for better tracking of foodgrains distribution, nearly 5.41 Lakh (99.6%) out of total 5.43 Lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the country (including Tamil Nadu) have been automated by installing ePoS  devices for the distribution of foodgrains in a  transparent manner (electronically) through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries.

(c): The  NFSA  provides  for coverage  of about  364.12  lakh  persons  for receiving foodgrains free. of cost in the State of Tamil Nadu.

(d) to (f): Foodgrains distribution under TPDS are being done through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries across the country including Tamil Nadu for fair & transparent manner. Targeted Public  Distribution  System (TPDS)  governed under National Food Security Act,  2013 (NFS A)  is o')erated under the joint  responsibility  of  the Central and the  State/UT Governments. The  operational responsibilities for  allocation of  foodgrains within the States/UTs, identification of eligible beneficiaries &  families, issuance of ration cards to them, distribution  of  foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries, supervision and monitoring of  functioning  of  Fair  Price  Shops (FPSs) etc.  rest with  the  concerned State/ UT Governments.

At  present, all  34,805 Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the State of Tamil  Nadu have been automated by installing  ePoS devices  for  seamless distribution of  foodgrains  in  a transparent manner (electronically) through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries.

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