HP to computerise entire Public Distribution System

Shimla, Nov 20 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government has embarked upon an ambitious plan to computerise the entire Public Distribution System in the state.

Under the scheme,all the processes right from procurement of food grains to the actual distribution to the people would be computerised, Food and Civil Supplies Secretary Harinder Hira said.

All the fair price shops would be provided with small computers having detail of family members, entitlement of food grains and fingerprints of all ration card holders and a beneficiary entry would be made automatically in the stock through the computer. Every day data regarding distribution of food grains and remaining stock would be sent to the main computer installed in the DFSC office.

The new system would be implemented on pilot basis in one of the districts and then would be rolled out in other districts, she said.

"The new system would facilitate the transparency and efficiency in implementing Public Distribution Scheme of food grains.

Computerised system would be in place to monitor fair price shops operation leading to accurate distribution of food grains," Ms Hira said.

"It would eliminate bogus and duplicate cards and ration shops would have accurate stock position on daily basis and the information could be disseminated to beneficiary through various means such as voice supported system, internet, SMS through mobile so that dealers cannot cheat consumers," the secretary said.

Better reconciliation procedures would bring about uniformity in PDS procedures by complete integration across the state, district, block and fair price shops, she added.

UNI XC PS BK1858