Government to implement end-to-end computerisation of food supply

CHENNAI: Government today said it has decided to implement end-to-end computerisation of food supply in cooperation with states as part of efforts to finetune the Public Distribution System in the country.

"To modernise the Public Distribution System, we have decided to have end-to-end modernisation. That is from the godowns of FCI to state ration shops, every movement will be computerised", Minister of State for Consumer Affairs,Food and Public Distribution, K V Thomas told reporters.

This is a 50:50 Joint Venture with states, with half the cost being given by the Centre and the balance being borne by the state governments, he said.

"Many state governments have started the modernisation process, including Tamil Nadu... they are going ahead (with the proposal)", he said.

Thomas pointed out that two crore bogus ration cards had been weeded out of the total of 20 crore since the modernisation process began.

The objective of the exercise was to enable subsidised food items reach the designated people as there were some loopholes in the present PDS system, he said.

"When we give one kilo of rice to a BPL family, my subsidy component is Rs 18 to Rs 19 in it. It should reach the designated people. That is why we want to modernise the PDS system. With cooperation of state governments we will be able to strengthen it", he said.