Department of Food computerizes its distribution process

Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India seeks technology assistance for better productivity and to curb duplication of ration cards. It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for scaling up computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) within the country.

Along with the computerisation of TPDS in the country, the contract also facilitates timely allocation of foodgrains, biometric identification of beneficiaries, recording of transactions at the fair price shops, tracking of food grains, etc. This has brought about a perceptible change in targeting of PDS, elimination of over 2.48 crore ineligible ration cards and resultant saving of foodgrains.

The WFP programme would assist the selected states to expedite their TPDS computerisation programmes and will complement the ongoing efforts being made for modernisation of TPDS by the Government of India and state governments.

The pilot project is underway in Rayagada district of Odisha where in partnership with the WFP, Government of Odisha is implementing a pilot project to strengthen the TPDS through use of new ration cards against biometric validation / Smart cards with point-of-sale devices in fair price shops, deduplication of ineligible cards, etc.

A project covering Bhubaneswar, Odisha is under preparation by WFP and additional pilot projects would be implemented in consultation with the States, Central Government and WFP. The selection of States under the MoU would include those which have not fully implemented computerization of TPDS.

MoU was signed in the presence of Secretary Food, Dr B.C. Gupta and director operation WFP (Rome).