Efficient and Transparent Public Distribution System
The Government of India has implemented various measures to reform the Public Distribution System (PDS) with a focus on digitization, transparency, and efficient distribution mechanisms. These efforts have resulted in significant reductions in leakages and improved targeting.
Supply Chain Management System
On the supply side, the government has adopted the Supply Chain Management System to streamline operations and services at all levels of the Food Corporation of India (FCI). They have also developed the Central Food Procurement Portal (CFPP) for streamlined Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations. The implementation of the Warehouse Inventory Network and Governing System (WINGS) application automates the tagging of mills with depots and the allocation of stack space in FCI. Additionally, the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) allows for real-time tracking of food consignments by integrating with the Railways. The registration of all FCI Godowns with the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) further enhances efficiency.
Digitization of Distribution Process:
On the distribution side, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has computerized the entire distribution process, covering all 20.4 crore household ration cards and 80.6 crore beneficiaries. These ration cards have been digitized, with 99.8% of them and 98.7% of individual beneficiaries being Aadhaar-seeded. The distribution of foodgrains is facilitated through 5.33 lakh electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices, which are deployed in almost all Fair Price shops across the country. These devices enable Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries during the distribution process, ensuring that only rightful beneficiaries receive the foodgrains. Currently, approximately 98% of total foodgrains are distributed using Aadhaar authentication, significantly reducing leakages and pilferage.
eKYC Process and Aadhaar Seeding:
The Department has also implemented an extensive eKYC process to validate the identities of beneficiaries using their Aadhaar credentials and ration card details. As of now, 64% of all PDS beneficiaries have completed their eKYC, and efforts are underway to complete the process for the remaining beneficiaries. To make it convenient for beneficiaries, the department has enabled eKYC at any Fair Price Shop (ration shop) across the country. The digitalization and Aadhaar seeding have led to the removal of approximately 5.8 crore ration cards from the PDS system, ensuring that only eligible individuals are included in the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and National Food Security Act (NFSA) programs.
National Portability of Ration Card:
The introduction of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative has enabled the regular availability and accessibility of free foodgrains to all 80.6 crore NFSA beneficiaries across the country, regardless of the state or district from where the ration card was issued. These measures, along with Aadhaar-enabled safeguards, ensure robust and transparent PDS operations. Through digitization, rightful targeting, and supply chain innovations, the Government of India has set a global benchmark for state-sponsored food security initiatives. These actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to plugging leakages in the system and minimizing inefficiency.
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