GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
RAJYA SABHA
QUESTION NO 1916
ANSWERED ON 25.07.2014
Corruption in PDS system
1916 SHRI PRABHAT JHA
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state :-
(a) whether Central Government's plan to completely computerise the public distribution system is under process;
(b) if so, the details of the achievements made in this direction so far and by when this task will be completed;
(c) whether massive corruption is prevalent in the public distribution system of many States in the country and the stored foodgrains for public distribution are black marketed on large-scale; and
(d) if so, the short-term as well as the long term plan of Government for putting an end to corruption and black-marketing altogether?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Government has initiated implementation of Component-I of the Plan Scheme on ‘End-to-end Computerisation of Targeted Public Distribution System Operations’. Component-I comprises digitization of ration cards/beneficiary and other databases, computerization of supply-chain management, setting up of transparency portal and grievance redressal mechanisms. The status of implementation of Component-I as upto 31.05.2014 is given at Annexure. As per the timelines under the scheme, digitisation of beneficiary database was to be completed by March, 2013 and computerization of supply-chain management was to be completed by October, 2013 by all States/UTs. However, implementation is uneven across the country due to delay in finalization of action plans by States/UTs, late submission of their proposals for financial assistance, practical problems faced during implementation, etc.
(c) & (d): There have been complaints about irregularities including corruption, leakage/diversion, etc. in the functioning of TPDS in some States/regions in the country. As and when complaints are received by the Government from individuals and organizations as well as through press reports, these are referred to the State/UT Governments concerned for inquiry and appropriate action.
In consultation with the State/UT Governments, a Nine Point Action Plan was evolved in 2006, which inter-alia includes continuous review of BPL/AAY lists and to eliminate bogus/ineligible ration cards alongwith strict action to be taken against the guilty to ensure leakage free distribution of foodgrains. State/UT Governments were also requested to initiate penal action against the Government staff found responsible for issuing bogus/ineligible ration cards and the families/persons possessing such ration cards.
In order to maintain supplies and securing availability and distribution of essential commodities, Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 has been notified by the Government which mandates the State/UT Governments to carry out all required action to ensure smooth functioning of TPDS. PDS (Control) Order, 2001 empowers State/UT Governments to take punitive action under clauses 8 & 9 in case of contravention of relevant provisions of the Order.
Strengthening and streamlining of TPDS is a continuous process. To improve functioning of TPDS, Government has been regularly issuing advisories and holding conferences wherein State/UT Governments are requested for continuous review of lists of beneficaries, improving the offtake of allocated foodgrains, ensuring timely availability of foodgrains at FPSs, greater transparency in functioning of TPDS, improved monitoring and vigilance at various levels, use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, improving the viability of FPS operations, etc.