To ensure transparency, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is being computerised in the State. As a pilot project, it has been implemented in four districts of Khandwa, Burhanpur, Hoshangabad and Harda and urban body areas of Bhopal and Indore.
New arrangements for Targeted Public Distribution System have been made with effect from March 2014 by expanding Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana under provisions of Food Security Act, 2013. Eligible families have been brought under the purview of the Act by dividing them in two categories including Antyodaya Anna Yojana and priority families.
Aadhar Card enrollment work under computerised PDS has been completed 90 per cent in the four districts.
Besides, every person’s Samagra ID and Aadhar Number are being entered in records in six districts. Under computerised system, POS machines are being provided to every fair price shop to read bio-metric impression of consumers’ fingers.
Eligibility of a family for ration will be established only when a family member puts his finger on the machine. Salesman at the PDS shop will also provide a receipt against purchase of full or partial quota.
Food and Civil Supplies Department is implementing Core PDS arrangements in urban body areas of Bhopal and Indore. Under it, a consumer will be given choice to purchase quota of his food grains from any PDS shop instead of the one prescribed for him. Objective of the scheme is to increase competition among fair price shops so that consumers can get better facilities.
Earlier, iodised salt at concessional rate of Rs1 per kg was being provided to all ration card holders only in tribal-dominant development blocks in the State. This scheme was expanded in June 2013 following which iodised salt at concessional rate of Rs1 per kg is being provided to all AAY and BPl ration card holders through fair price shops in entire State.
last year, a sum of Rs30 crore was provisioned in the budget for distribution of iodised salt, which has been increased to Rs96 crore this year.