80.10 Crore beneficiaries availing benefits of Public Distribution System through 5.45 lakh Fair Price Shops across the country

Like 30^th June 2023, approximately 80.10 Crore NFSA beneficiaries [Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)-8.95 Crore & Priority Households (PHH)- 71.15 Crore] they are reaping benefits from the public distribution system in the country through 5.45 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPS) in India.

According to the 2015 Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) Control Order, the review of ration cards/beneficiary lists, identification of ineligible/duplicate ration cards, and inclusion of eligible beneficiaries/households is the responsibility of the affected state/UT government. States/UTs have been advised to conduct appropriate verification (including field verification) of each identified case to ensure that beneficial owner ration cards are not cancelled/suspended. In addition, States/UTs routinely issue new ration cards to eligible households/beneficiaries in lieu of canceled ration cards up to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) cap. As a result, the affected State/UT identifies eligible beneficiaries and informs the central government of any change in the number of beneficiaries within the National Food Security Act (NFSA) cap.

The use of blockchain technology within the Public Distribution System (PDS) is not under consideration by the central government at the moment.

This information was given by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumers, Food and Public Distribution Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.

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AD/NS