Agartala: Tripura is computerising its PDS (public distribution system) operations to eliminate duplication and bogus ration cards, a minister said here Saturday.
"State food department and National Informatics Center (NIC) is jointly working on the scheme to strengthen and transparent operations of PDS," Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Manik Dey told reporters.
He said that the state government has sought funds to the central government for the scheme, which might achieve end-point distribution of PDS items.
Dey said: "Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution K.V. Thomas in a recent meeting of food ministers in New Delhi urged all the states to modernise the PDS to check leakages and diversion of foodgrains."
The minister told the meeting that use of technology can play a big role for effective operations of PDS.
Some states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have taken steps in computerisation of various PDS operations.
Dey said that the central government intended to deploy information and communication technology in a big way and a blueprint for end-to-end computerisation of PDS operations has been prepared.
As a first step in this direction, a scheme covering digitisation of ration cards and other databases, computerisation of supply-chain management, setting up of transparency portal and grievance redressal mechanism has been approved for implementation on cost sharing basis with states.
Tripura has stepped up a statewide crackdown on people who have claimed fake `poverty status` and collected over Rs.10 million as fines from those who have illegally availed facilities earmarked for the poor.
"The state government during the past few months, has cancelled bogus BPL (below poverty line) cards held by over 7,000 families. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against these families," Dey added.
"Over Rupees one crore have been collected as fines from the fake BPL card holder families. Some government employees were even unlawfully holding BPL cards."
The minister said that the raid against the fake BPL card holders would continue.
IANS
