The Government promulgated the National Food Security Ordinance on 5.7.2013. Subsequently, the National Food Security Bill (NFSB), 2013 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 7.8.2013 to replace the Ordinance It provides that Central and State Governments shall endeavour to progressively undertake necessary reforms in the TPDS. These reforms inter alia include:-
- Doorstep delivery of foodgrains to the TPDS outlets;
- Application of information and communication technology tools including end-to-end computerisation in order to ensure transparent recording of transactions at all levels, and to prevent diversion;
- Leveraging aadhaar for unique identification, with biometric information of entitled beneficiaries for proper targeting of benefits under this Ordinance.
- Full transparency of records;
- Diversification of commodities distributed under the Public Distribution System over a period of time;
- Support to local public distribution models and grains banks.
The Ordinance inter-alia also provides for preference to public institutions or public bodies such as Panchayats, self help groups, co-operatives, in licensing of fair prices shops and management of fair price shops by women or their collectives. This information was given by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
