Government considering Nandan Nilekani's common software platform suggestion for PDS

NEW DELHI: UID Chairman Nandan Nilekani- headed task force's report on developing a common software platform for PDS for states is under the consideration of the government, Parliament was informed today.

The task force on reforms of PDS, constituted under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani, had submitted its report to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on November 2, 2011, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
"The report of the task force is under consideration of the government", he said.

The report mentioned that a common software platform for PDS can be developed for all states with the flexibility to configure policies, prices and administrative structures, he said.

The report inter-alia also said the software will make it possible for state governments to decide on the choice to the beneficiaries in receiving their entitlements in kind (food/kerosene) or cash.

The task force observed that the software will also make it possible to provide a choice of the location from where the beneficiary can get his/her entitlement, he added.

Thomas said strengthening of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is a continuous process.

The government has regularly reviewed and has also issued instructions to states/Union Territories to strengthen functioning of TPDS by improving monitoring mechanism and vigilance, adoption of revised model citizen's charter and improving the efficiency of fair price shop operations among others, he said.

Detailed guidelines on end-to-end computerisation of PDS have been framed by the central government and an institutional mechanism has been set up at the national level in this regard, Thomas added.