Lok Sabha Question No. 4247 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Integration of FPS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Dhaval Laxmanbhai Patel

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4247

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18Tll MARCH, 2026

## INTEGRATION OF FPS

## 4247. SHRI DHAVAL LAXMANBHAI PATEL:

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

- (a): whether all Fair Price Shops (FPS) in the districts of South Gujarat particularly Valsad and Dang have been fully  integrated under the end-to-end computerisation of the Targeted Public Distribution System  (TPDS) including Aadhaar-based authentication  through electronic  Point  of Sale (ePoS) devices;
- (b): if  so, the details thereof and if  not, the reasons therefor along with  the present status of coverage;
- (c): whether the Government has undertaken any review during 2025-26 regarding the functioning of the  digitised Public Distribution System  in  these  districts including issues related to authentication failures, stock monitoring  and timely  delivery of  foodgrains and if so, the findings thereof; and
- (d) : the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to strengthen last-mile food security, transparency and grievance redressal mechanisms for  beneficiaries in tribal and remote areas of South Gujarat?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

(a)&(b): All  Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in the districts ofValsad  and Dang of South Gujarat have been equipped with  operational electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices and are fully  integrated  under the end-to-end computerisation of the Targeted Public Distribution  System  (TPDS), including Aadhaarbased authentication for foodgrain distribution.

The details in the districts of Valsad  and Dang in South Gujarat are as follows:

| District   |   I Total FPS |   1FPS with Operational ePoS |
|------------|---------------|------------------------------|
| Valsad     |           439 |                          439 |
| Dang       |           116 |                          116 |

(c): The functioning of the digitised Public Distribution System is reviewed regularly by the senior officers of the Department of  Food and Public Distribution through periodic meetings and monitoring mechanisms.

In addition, a comprehensive review of PDS implementation has been conducted in  112 Aspirational Districts across the country. These reviews focus on key PDS operational aspects for timely  delivery  of  foodgrains and appropriate advisories are issued to  States/UTs based on the findings.

(d): The Government  has undertaken several technology-driven initiatives  to  strengthen last-mile food security, transparency and grievance redressal in  tribal  and remote areas, including South Gujarat. These include:

- 100% digitisation of  ration cards and beneficiary databases, enabling better targeting and rnonrtorrng.
- Aadhaar-authenticated distribution through  ePoS devices, ensuring  accurate delivery  of entitlements to genuine beneficiaries.
- Anna Sahayata grievance module, allowing  beneficiaries to lodge complaints through digital platforms(Whats  App and IVRS).
- ASHA  (Anna  Sahayata Holistic  Al  Solution), through which  beneficiaries are contacted in their regional language after receiving ration from the FPS. If a beneficiary reports any issue, they are immediately  given the option to register a grievance  through the system.
- Mera Ration Mobile App, which enables beneficiaries to check their entitlements, locate nearby FPSs, update details and lodge grievances digitally.

These measures collectively enhance transparency, improve  service delivery  and strengthen beneficiary confidence in the Public Distribution System,  particularly in tribal and remote regions.

ScIcSe  ScR