One Nation-One Ration Card: Govt takes these steps to implement the scheme

The Department of Food & Public Distribution has launched a new scheme, Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS), to sustain the reforms brought in by scheme on ‘End to End Computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) Operations’ for implementation during 2018-19 and 2019-20, said Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in a written reply by the in the Rajya Sabha today.

Acording to him, the main objective of the scheme is to introduce nation-wide portability of ration card holders under National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), to lift their entitlement foodgrains from any FPS in the country without the need to obtain a new ration card, by integrating the existing PDS systems/portals of States/UTs with the Central systems/portals, etc.

Looking at the physical progress under ongoing scheme and readiness for implementation of National Portability in few states, the department has decided to implement inter-state/National Portability on a pilot basis in few states shortly, he added.

He further informed the house that under IM-PDS scheme, there is no requirement to change the functioning of existing PDS systems/operations of the States/UTs.

So far, 20 States/UTs have completed the installation of electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices in all FPSs, he said, adding that the scheme is planned to commence in phased manner in States/UTs preferably in States/UTs having ePoS devices functioning properly in FPSs.