What major schemes are you planning for better distribution system across countryIJ What role are you playing in ensuring food security for poor in IndiaIJ
The National Food Security Act was notified on 10 September 2013. Under this Act food security is being ensured in India. A historical law - effective 5 July 2013
Coverage: Two third of the population - From a total population of 121 crores nearly 81.33 crore people, that is, nearly 16.6 crore families. This coverage is substantially higher than the coverage and allocation to the families below the poverty line, under the existing TPDS. legal Right: legal rights to procure food grains at the maximum concessional rates.
After witnessing what happened during the last negotiations at WTO regarding food security, what should be India’s strategy to ensure food securityIJ Western countries do not seem to be in support of food security. What are your views on thatIJ
In reply, the Joint Secretary (Impex and IEC) informed that the matter relates to the Commerce Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. The note “WTO and Food Security in India” dated, provided by the Commerce Ministry is attached.
What role innovative technologies can play in food distribution systemIJ
As mentioned above the following benefits are expected through computerisation:
1. Real time information on all beneficiaries can be obtained through data digitization and duplication of beneficiaries can be stopped.
2. Online allocation will help to immediately know the quantity of cereals/food grains allocated to the states and the quantity and to whom has the state government further allocated the food grains in the state. This information is also given to the beneficiaries through sms.
3. Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices ensure allocation of cereals to the right beneficiaries.
4. Through DBT the amount due to the deserving beneficiaries are transferred to their bank accounts at the right time, so that the beneficiaries can purchase cereals at a fair price from the market, as they desire.
5. Construction of silos to reduce storage loss. This storage technique helps in storing large quantities of food grains in the best possible manner and the the quality of the food grains can be maintained for an extended period of time.
How the incumbent government is tackling with corruption in food distribution systemIJ
The government has taken the following steps to tackle corruption:
1. Enhanced usage of computerisation/information technology at all levels for food grain distribution
2. Digitisation of ration cards and linking with Aadhaar number.
3. Direct transfer of cash in lieu of food grains into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
4. Transparency at all levels and provide information on the PDS portal of all important notifications, orders and data.
5. All states to form an internal Grievance Redressal Machinery which is a two-tier system, that is, at the first level a grievance redressal officer and at the second level, the state government commission.
6. To ensure food grains are distributed to only the right beneficiaries at fair prices, Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices are being installed. Up till now 1.23 lakh devices have already been installed at the Fair Price Shops.
7. beneficiaries are informed via sms and after sale of food grains to the beneficiaries a sms is again sent. This ensures transparency in the distribution.
How can we ensure betterment of farmers by improving food distributionIJ
The following steps are being taken for the betterment of farmers by improving food distribution:
1. To ensure farmers receive payments easily and on time the government fixed minimum support price for their yield/food grains.
2. The amount is credited to the bank accounts of the farmers without any difficulty.
3. To frequently discuss with the state government regarding the disbursement of the fixed price to the sugarcane farmers. To launch a scheme for the mill owners for this purpose.