NEW DELHI: The Centre is mulling over the use of technology tools, including Global Position Tracking to plug the leakage of commodities meant for public distribution system (PDS).
“Technology has a major role to play in bringing about transparency in the implementation of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Use of modern technologies such as biometric identification of beneficiaries and the proposed Unique Identification Numbers of individuals could help in achieving this objective.
Elimination of bogus ration cards, correct identification of the poor, and plugging diversion and leakages of foodgrains at various stages are vital for ensuring that the subsidised foodgrains reach the targeted beneficiaries,” Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said while inaugurating the Conference of Food Secretaries on Best Practices and Reforms in Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) here on Tuesday.
Pawar spoke about the need for use of other technologies such as GPS for tracking of movement of PDS commodities, bar-coded ration coupons, measures to digitise the ration card database and smart cards for beneficiaries, biometric identification.
About initiatives already taken by some states in this regard and impressive improvement in the delivery system, Pawar stressed on coordination and speeding up of the implementation of these initiatives in other states also.
Launching the pilot scheme on smart card-based delivery of essential commodities under TPDS, being introduced in Haryana and Chandigarh, Pawar also asserted monitoring the distribution of PDS items by fair price shops must be done through social audit by local bodies/community groups/NGOs, use of GPS technology for tracking of movement of vehicles carrying PDS items, SMS alerts, CCTV monitoring of FPS, grievance redressal through toll free call centres and web based complaint registration and monitoring systems.