New Delhi, India: The Centre has decided to extend the scheme to install Global Positioning System (GPS) sets on vehicles transporting Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) commodities to all states and Union territories. The decision, which was taken following the successful implementation of a pilot scheme in the two states of Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh, is part of the government’s plan for end-to-end computerisation of TPDS operations.
Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V.Thomas said the department had taken up a pilot scheme on Computerisation of TPDS Operations to be implemented in three districts of four States i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Delhi.
The Tamil Nadu government, which implemented the scheme in two districts, reported that foodgrain movement from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns to the locals godowns was easier and without diversion, created fear among those involved in transportation of PDS items, enabled tracking the movement of vehicles carrying PDS items at a short notice and avoided delays in transportation. The Chhattisgarh government also reported that installation of GPS sets in trucks transporting TPDS commodities were helping them reach their destinations properly and no irregularities have since been found.
Digitisation of databases and computerisation of supply-chain management have been completed in Delhi and Chhattisgarh. In Andhra Pradesh, the entire ration card database has been digitised and supply-chain computerisation is in progress. In Assam, work on the digitisation of databases is under process. Another scheme for smart card-based delivery of essential commodities is being undertaken on a pilot basis in Chandigarh UT and Haryana. In of Haryana, the project has been implemented in four blocks whereas in Chandigarh UT, it has been completed in 13 fair price shops.
Source: PIB
