Centre Proposes 6 Months Advance Allocation of PDS Grains

Finally the central govt accepted the idea of advance one time allocation of foodgrains to beneficiaries on the lines of ONE Time Home Delivery Scheme of Foodgrains scheme, Nashik. I see the move as alternative successful strategy of food distribution mechanism...Shekhar Gaikwad

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Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

24-May-2012 16:42 IST

Centre Proposes Six Months Advance Allocation of PDS Grains

In view of existing stock position of food grains in the Central Pool, the Center has decided to permit the states/UTs for lifting and distributing six months quota of food grains in one go, under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

In a communication sent to the Chief Ministers of all the States/UTs, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof K.V. Thomas has requested the states to avail the facility of advance lifting of food grains and its onward distribution to the TPDS beneficiaries to the maximum extent possible. This will not only ease the problem of additional storage in view of increased procurement but also ensure uninterrupted supply of ration to the beneficiaries.

Prof Thomas has also requested the States to ensure lifting of additional allocation of 60 lakh tons for Above Poverty Line (APL) and 15.40 lakh tons for poorest districts in 12 States made during the current year under TPDS to the States/UTs. He has regretted that the states have lifted only 27 percent of the allocation made to these districts during 2011-12.

Regarding the six months advance allocation of ration to PDS beneficiaries in one go, the States have been advised to ensure that beneficiaries are not compelled to lift their entire allocation in one go and it should be purely voluntary. In order to ensure transparency, states have been advised that the bulk distribution may be made as far as possible in the presence of state government officials, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, members of vigilance committees in Gram Sabhas and NGOs concerned.