Lok Sabha Question No. 1416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Evaluation of the Public Distribution System
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Rahul Kaswan

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## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1416 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4TH DECEMBER, 2024

## EVALUATION OF THE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

## 1416. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will  the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION w{tvn qm& mg al  tIT+gfiq fBawr Mt be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has evaluated the Public Distribution  System (PDS) and if  so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to  strengthen the PDS and if  so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has created any mechanism to  redress complaints received regarding corruption in the PDS and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government is considering to provide cooking gas or smokeless fuel under the PDS and if so, the details thereoP

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI  BAMBHANIYA)

- (a): The Department of Food & Public Distribution engaged Monitoring Institutions (MIs) of repute to undertake a concurrent evaluation of  the implementation  of  the National  Food Security Act,  2013 (NFSA) in different States/UTs for Phase-1 (2018-20) and Phase-I1 (2020-23). Reports submitted by the MIs  are available in the public  domain at https://nfsa.gov.in/portal/Concurrent  Evaluation.
- (b): As part of  the technology-driven Public Distribution  System (PDS) reforms, to  improve the efficiency and transparency of  the PDS and to address various challenges such as leakages and diversion of  foodgrains, ration  cards/beneficiaries databases  have been completely digitized  in  all States/UTs. The transparency portal  and online  grievance  redressal facility/Toll-free number have been implemented  in  all  States/UTs.  Also, the  online  allocation  has been implemented  in  all  States/UTs (except UTs of Chandigarh,  Puducherry and urban areas ofDadra  & Nagar Haven which have adopted the  DBT  Cash Transfer scheme) and the  supply chain has been computerized in 31 States/UTs. Further, nearly 5.41 Lakh out of a total of  5.43 Lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the country have been automated by  installing ePoS devices for  the distribution of  foodgrains in  a transparent manner (electronically)  through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries.
- (c): Public Distribution  System (PDS) is operated under the joint  responsibility of the Central and State/ UT Governments. Central Govt. is responsible for  procurement, allocation and transportation of foodgrains up to the designated  depots of  the FCI.  The operational responsibilities  i.e. allocation and distribution  of  foodgrains within  the  States/UTs, identification  of  eligible  beneficiaries/ families, issuance of ration cards to them and supervision and monitoring of functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) rest with  the  concerned State/ UT  Government. Helpline  number  1967/1800-State series number is operational in all the States/ UTs for contacting and redressal of the complaints in the Public Distribution  System  and filing  any type of complaints by the intended beneficiaries. Moreover, as and when complaints including corruption are received in this Department from any source, they are sent to concerned State/ UT Governments for inquiry  and appropriate action.
- (d): No such proposal is under consideration.

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