Twelfth Plan aims at digitisation of targeted public distribution system

The government has approved an outlay of Rs884.07 crore to be spent on end-to-end computerisation of the operations of the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) during in the 12th Plan period.

This will be taken up on a 90:10 cost sharing basis between the centre and the states for the North-Eastern states, while for other states and union territories, the cost would be shared equally.

The share of the central government is estimated to be around Rs489.37 crore while state governments and union territory administrations will have a share of Rs394.70 crore in the programme.

Digitisation of beneficiary database is expected to help in weeding out bogus ration cards and better targeting of subsidies. With computerisation of the supply chain, the movement of foodgrains up to fair price shop (FPS) level can be tracked and the problem of leakage and diversion can be addressed, an official release said.

Digitilisation of TPDS will offer facilities like use of SMSs, e-mails, toll-free numbers to inform the beneficiary about the availability of TPDS supplies in the FPS, which will ensure timely and transparent distribution of foodgrains to beneficiaries as per their entitlement.

The transparency portal and social audit will further strengthen the functioning of FPSs and ensure accountability at various levels.