Centre Strengthens Ration Distribution System with Digital Reforms, 99.7% Ration Cards Linked to Aadhaar
Srinagar: The Central Government has said that major technology-driven reforms have strengthened the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), improving transparency and reducing leakages in the delivery of subsidised foodgrains across the country.
In a reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shrimati Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, informed the House that 99.7 per cent of ration cards have been linked with Aadhaar, while 99.8 per cent of Fair Price Shops (FPSs) have been equipped with electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices.
The Minister said that the TPDS, implemented under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, functions through a shared responsibility between the Centre and State/Union Territory governments. While the Centre manages procurement, allocation and transportation of foodgrains up to Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots, States and UTs are responsible for identifying beneficiaries, issuing ration cards, distributing foodgrains through Fair Price Shops and monitoring the system.
Digitalisation to Improve Transparency
The government stated that all States and UTs have fully digitised their ration card databases. Aadhaar seeding of ration cards has been carried out to prevent duplication and remove fake or ineligible beneficiaries from the system.
To improve accountability, the government has introduced several digital platforms, including transparency portals, online grievance redressal mechanisms and toll-free helplines for beneficiaries.
The Minister, however, acknowledged that complaints related to leakages, irregularities and benefits reaching ineligible persons continue to be reported. Such complaints are forwarded to the concerned State and UT authorities for investigation and necessary action.
Violations under the Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2015 are punishable under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, allowing authorities to initiate legal proceedings against offenders.
ePoS Devices Installed at Nearly All Fair Price Shops
The government informed Parliament that 5.50 lakh out of 5.51 lakh Fair Price Shops across the country have been automated with ePoS devices.
These devices enable biometric authentication of beneficiaries during foodgrain distribution, helping reduce diversion and ensuring that subsidised food reaches genuine beneficiaries.
The online allocation of foodgrains has also been implemented nationwide, while supply chain computerisation has been completed in 31 States and UTs. Chandigarh, Puducherry and urban areas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli have adopted the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model, where eligible beneficiaries receive cash transfers instead.
One Nation One Ration Card Expands Portability
The government further highlighted the success of the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative, which has been implemented across all 36 States and Union Territories.
The scheme allows beneficiaries, especially migrant workers, to access subsidised foodgrains from any Fair Price Shop across the country. More than 221 crore portability transactions have been recorded under the scheme, helping reduce exclusion and preventing duplicate claims.
GPS Tracking to Prevent Foodgrain Diversion
To strengthen monitoring of foodgrain movement, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has introduced a GPS-enabled Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS).
The system tracks the movement of foodgrains from dispatching depots to receiving locations through road and rail networks, with the aim of reducing pilferage and improving supply chain efficiency.
Helplines Available for Public Complaints
The government also informed that PDS complaint and grievance facilities are available through helpline numbers 1967 and 1800-State series across all States and UTs.
Officials said these measures reflect the government’s continued efforts to modernise the food distribution network, improve transparency and ensure that welfare benefits reach intended beneficiaries effectively.