Srinagar, Aug 23: Government of India has taken up the computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in a phased manner to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the TPDS.
 In the first phase, the scheme on Computerization of TPDS Operations had been approved to be implemented on pilot basis in three districts each of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, a PIB handout today said.
 Giving details it said a pilot scheme on Smart Card based delivery of essential commodities has been initiated in Chandigarh UT and Haryana. Under the scheme, existing ration cards are to be replaced by Smart Cards.
 Department of Food & Public Distribution is not aware of such recommendation made by the Supreme Court in the recent orders passed relating to TPDS in the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 196/2001.
 This information, according to the statement, was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
 Interestingly, many experts  and economists in the country have since long been demanding of introducing the smart cards for public distribution so as to prevent misuse of subsidies.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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