Unlike the Public Distribution System in Gaya, PDS in the Northeastern part of the country is not properly functional. It is true that the above statement is not true for all states but there are some where people are unable to make good use of the system.

This is not in a way related to PDS Gaya but we placed this news in front of you to let you know what other states and districts are going through. Keeping in view the situation of the Public Distribution System in the Northeastern states, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof K.V. Thomas, chaired a meeting of Food Ministers and Food Secretaries of North Eastern States at Guwahati on the 29^th of September 2011 with particular reference to availability of foodgrains and augmenting the storage facilities in the region.

Shri Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minster, Nagaland, Dr. Nazrul Islam, Minister Food and Civil Supplies, Assam and Shri Nilamoni Sen Deka, Minister of Agriculture, Assam and Sh. H. Rolhuna Minister Food and Civil Supplies, Mizoram were present in the meeting while other states were represented by senior officials in charge of the Departments.

Union Food Secretary, Dr B C Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Food Corporation Of India (FCI) Shri Siraj Hussain, MD of Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), Shri B B Patnayak, were also present in the meeting.

Prof. Thomas, in his opening remarks said that the meeting was part of the Ministry’s ongoing interaction with the States and referred to the four Regional Meetings that he had convened in the month of February and the subsequent meetings with the Food Ministers and Food Secretaries of producing and consuming States held in July this year, ‘Since the problems faced by the North Eastern States are somewhat different from other states, I thought to have a separate meeting for NE States, as this Region is the corner-stone of Government of India’s Look East Policy’ he said. He also said that the Government of India has taken up various schemes for all round development of this region having abundant natural resources.

The Minister said that the focus of the Government of India has been to ensure availability of foodgrains at reasonable prices especially to the weaker and vulnerable sections of the society. The Government is determined to enact the National Food Security Act which will provide a statutory basis for a framework which assures food security for all and entitles every family below the poverty line to certain quantities of foodgrains at subsidized prices. The Minister said that the draft Bill has been placed on the website of the Department inviting suggestions from all stake holders by 30th September and requested all the State Governments to send their comments immediately, if not already sent. The legislation will also be used to bring about broader systemic reforms in the Public Distribution System, he said.

Regarding the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), launched in June, 1997, he said that it has played an important role in making available foodgrains at subsidized prices to the poor and vulnerable sections in this country. In this regard, he emphasized that the performance of PDS was the joint responsibility of the Government of India and respective state governments and called upon the states to plug loopholes in PDS and ensure that leakages are brought to the lowest minimum and ensure that grain reaches to its real deserving consumer by appropriate and innovative use of the available technology and better computerization.

Regarding allocation of Foodgrains to the North eastern States, he said that the Government of India has made substantial allocation of foodgrains during last year as well as in the current year for distribution to TPDS beneficiaries. While allocations of foodgrains for BPL families are made @35kg per family per month, and for APL families, the allocations differ from 15kg to 35kg in various States, he said that for all North Eastern States, the monthly APL allocation is also made @35kg per family as a special case. During the current year, an additional allocation of 10 million tons of rice and wheat for BPL and APL families have been made at subsidized BPL and APL prices, and requested the states to ensure that the timely lifting of foodgrains.

On the important issue of Storage facilities in the North Eastern States, the Minister said that a proposal for construction of storage godowns, totaling 5.4 lakh tonnes of capacity at a total estimated cost of Rs.568 crore has been approved by the Department, in addition to a special provision of 24 crores to be given as grant for the construction of intermediary godowns by the state Government. The Planning Commission had supported the proposed augmentation of storage capacity in the North East. In the proposal there were 8 ongoing projects and 39 new projects were identified and requested the State Governments to give all possible assistance to the FCI for identifying the lands for construction of godowns.

The state Governments on their part said that due to constraints on railway movement, (closure of transshipment at Rangia) and provisioning of insufficient Rakes, sufficient stakes are not available, sometime, in the region. Minister said that al efforts are being made by the Government of India and FCI to increase movement including road movement to ensure timely availability of sufficient stocks.

Concern was also expressed by some states on the availability of sugar in their states. It was informed that a number of rakes have been dispatched from producing States to make available requisite quantities of sugar in this region.

The States also took up the issue of outstanding hill transport subsidy under which dues were pending for them. FCI and States were requested to mutually settle the issue in accordance with existing guidelines of FCI and the Government of India.

Certain issues, specific to individual state governments were also taken up during the meeting, which included the following. Government of Assam was requested to sort land related issue at the earliest at Changsari where 1 lakh capacity of new storage is to be constructed. Similarly, The Government of Assam was also requested to start procurement of Paddy from farmers of the states under the Decentralized Procurement System (DCP) in view of higher production in the States as this could lead to better ensuring of provision of Minimum Support Price to farmers.

The above news has been taken from the Press Information Bureau Website and is posted in our blog to make the people understand what's going on in and around the Public Distribution System of the country. However, to know more about PDS, you may visit PDS Gaya website.

How can someone who lives in Gaya, Bihar get themselves issued an APL Ration Card (Above Poverty Line ration card)?

You may know all about various schemes from PDS Gaya's Website or read on to know about the APL in brief.

The APL ration card is issued to common people but only after the production of application form aided by surrender or deletion certificate obtained from. The later is in case of people migrating to Gaya, Bihar from other state. The above mentioned documents should be accompanied by two group family photographs. After all formalities are completed, the ration card will be delivered to the applicant withing ten to fifteen days of the receipt of the application,

The requirement for an application for the issue of APL ration cards are as below:

1. An application form duly attested by a Gazetted Officer for urban areas or Village Sarpanch in case of rural areas.
2. Deletion or surrender certificate obtained from the place the applicant has migrated to Gaya, Bihar.
3. Two family group photographs.

More on the frequently asked questions related to Public Distribution System. Visit PDS Gaya website.

Another Public Distribution System Related news which will be of interest to everyone is that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has made special allocation of foodgrains to Sikkim state owing to the devastating earthquake.

Below is given the press release by the Press Information Bureau, Government of India.

“The Central Government has made special allocation of 2800 MT food grains to Sikkim at BPL prices. Wheat has been allocated at Rs. 4.15 per kg and rice at Rs 5.65 per kg. Special allocation has been made in view of the recent earth quake in Sikkim and consequent damage and destruction caused to life and property.

In this regard Food Secretary to Government of India personally spoke to Food Secretary Sikkim today and informed about the decision.

The additional supplies of food grains will be airlifted to Northern parts of Sikkim. “

And yet another state is following PDS Gaya's footsteps and that state is Kerala. And the Central Government is providing assistance for the same. The press release is given below.

“The Centre will provide all possible support to Kerala for its ongoing computerization of PDS. It will provide more assistance for increasing warehouse capacity and developing bio-metric based food grain distribution system. This was conveyed by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to Shri Ooman Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, during a meeting here today.

The Chief Minister along with a delegation of senior officials of the State called on Prof. Thomas and had detailed discussion about foodgrain allocations to the State under various schemes. During the meeting, strengthening of Bureau of Indian Standards’ activities, increasing foodgrain storage and its timely movement were also discussed during the meeting.”

Today's post is to bring to the people's notice of what the Government has done to ensure that quality foodgrains are issued for Public Distribution System (PDS).

Here are the steps taken up by the Government in order to make sure that quality foodgrains are issued for PDS.

• Ample opportunities are being provided to officials of State Governments/UT Administrations to inspect the stocks prior to lifting from FCI godowns.
• State Governments/UT Administrations have been requested to depute an officer not below the rank of Inspector for inspection of the foodgrains before their lifting from FCI godowns.
• The samples from the stocks to be issued to States/UTs are to be drawn jointly and sealed by the officers of State Governments and FCI for displaying them at Fair Price Shops (FPS) for the benefit of consumers.

• In case the State agencies are taking delivery from FCI and thereafter delivering the same to the FPS dealers, they have to follow the same procedure as being followed by FCI for issuing the jointly sealed samples drawn for display at FPS (Fair Price Shops).
• Type samples are to be displayed by FPS dealers in their shops, so that the consumers may check the quality of foodgrains supplied to them.
• State Governments/ UT Administrations have been asked to ensure that during transportation and storage at different stages in the distribution chain, the foodgrains retain the required quality specifications.

This is according to an information given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on the 8^th of August 2011.

He said that strengthening and streamlining of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is a continuous process. Government has regularly reviewed and has also issued instructions to States/Union Territories to strengthen functioning of TPDS by improving monitoring mechanism and vigilance, increased transparency in functioning of TPDS, adoption of revised Model Citizen’s Charter, use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and by improving the efficiency of Fair Price Shop operations.

PDS Gaya however is functioning successfully since the implementation of its e-PDS. Visit pdsonline for more.

Most of you would have known about the fact that 25% of the food samples produced for food safety test has been found adulterated. But PDS Gaya today will post the same information in order to make its people know the fact that only food approved by authorities are worth buying.

Food safety and Standard Act (FSSA). 2006 came into force since 5^th August 2011 and with it, comes a package that includes imprisonment and fining those who are found selling adulterated food items. Adulterators may also be sentenced to life imprisonment or fine up to `10,00,000 depending on the seriousness of the crime. Even genetically modified food, organic food, beverages, dietary supplements can also be scrutinized under this act.

Therefore, one should know this that if any Public Distribution System's FPS is selling or providing such item, you may contact responsible authorities to take up suitable steps.

Recently, it is found that 25% of the total food tested for adulteration has been found to be adulterated. The incidence of adulteration in cereals, edible oils, spices, milk and foodgrains is very high in Bihar. This is according to JK Singh the Deputy Direction or Bihar.

One should also know that regular consumption of adulterated food can lead to many health problems which includes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, etc.

Coming to what are added in various items, Cereals and products like wheat, flour, besan, rice and grams have been found to have the presence of dust, insects, fungus, etc. In milk and milk products , mainly starch and sodium bicarbonate are used for adulteration. Besides, in spices and condiments, mostly artificial yellow color, lead chromate, brick powder and dust are added.

The act also covers items like tea, coffee, soft drink, jelly, ketchup, jam, pan masala, sweets and sweetening agents, flavour materials, salt, sugar, vanaspati, meat and horticulture products. However, medical products, cosmetics, drugs, animal feed and narcotics do not come under the purview of this act.

One should have the knowledge that any competent authority can seize and recall the adulterated products. Therefore, be informed and stay safe.

For more information on Public Distribution and other food security, visit PDS Gaya website.

Owing to the shortage of foodgrains in the country, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas has called for capital investment in agriculture by public and private participation to increase agricultural productivity, a key challenge for ensuring national food security. He has said that the investment is specially required in the eastern and north-eastern regions, where agriculture sector has a great potential.

Addressing the Agriculture Leadership Summit 2011 on the 14^th of Sept., Prof. Thomas said that a ‘Mission Mode Program’ should also be taken up on priority basis to exploit the potential of existing ‘yield gaps’ and a sound mechanism should be developed to link farmers to markets which is a pre-requisite for augmenting farm production and farmers’ income.

To make you all understand, what the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said we at PDS Gaya is putting up the full text of the speech on our blog.

Full text of the Minister’s speech is as follows

"India has made great strides in increasing food grain production since the Green Revolution era of the mid-sixties. During the last one decade, production of maize and cotton has doubled. In the recent past, the growth rates in horticulture, livestock and fishery sectors have been impressive and have significantly contributed towards agricultural gross domestic product. Nevertheless, the declining total factor productivity, diminishing and degrading natural resources and stagnating farm incomes have become major concerns. The impact of trade liberalization on agriculture and the global climate change are new challenges. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging for agriculture sector in our country. Commercialization of agriculture, diversification towards high-value commodities and integration with the global markets are the new opportunities.

The first and foremost issue is conservation and enhancement of ecological foundations for sustainable agriculture. Urbanization is exerting tremendous pressure on available land and water resources. There has been a significant development in small farm management in respect of all the sub-sectors, i.e., crops, animal husbandry and fisheries. This process requires to be encouraged to provide ‘the power of mass production by the mass of small farmers’.

Orientation of agricultural development should shift from increasing production to raising farm income. This is important to check the widening rural-urban disparity and to diversify rural livelihood options, covering crop, livestock, fisheries and horticultural activities. Hence, the task to link farmers with the market must be taken on top priority.

The issues related to investment and subsidies, natural resource conservation, current global financial crisis, agricultural diversification and possible approach for sustainable agriculture need to be addressed on priority basis.

The livestock sector, which can play a vital role in supplementing farm incomes, creating rural employment, addressing gender equity and increase rural livelihood options needs more attention.

I may like to suggest the following steps

Increasing agricultural productivity is a key challenge for ensuring national food security. To increase production, exploiting the potential of existing yield gaps offers a tremendous opportunity. Hence, a Mission Mode Program on “Bridging the Productivity Gap” with real missionary zeal and effective monitoring is required to be launched with meticulous planning as a matter of priority.

Rainfed areas have a huge potentiality to raise production and increase farm income. These grey areas can soon be made green to harness a second green revolution. Role of technologies, policies and infrastructure would be very important in realizing the potential of rainfed agriculture.

Linking farmers to markets is a pre-requisite for augmenting farm production and farmers’ income. Role of innovative institutions would be critical in this context to reap the benefits of emerging opportunities. A silent revolution of innovative institutions is already taking place in the Indian agricultural production and marketing system.

There is a dire need to attract the capital investment in agriculture by public and private participations in the non-green revolution regions, particularly in the eastern and north-eastern India, where agriculture sector has a great potential. Hence, investment priorities must now be oriented towards realistic growth of agriculture for meeting the growing needs of the population.

Agriculture is confronted with new forms of risks and uncertainties. These are related to natural calamities, global climate change, use of food for bio-fuels, uncertainty over prices etc. Role of knowledge system and institutional mechanisms for input supply, credit, crop and livestock insurance etc. would be important in reducing both risks and uncertainties in order to attain the much needed resilience in agriculture sector.

Climate change has added a new dimension to future agricultural growth, which is a major concern. The worst affected would be small farm holders located in the marginal and under-privileged areas. Therefore, investment options for both adaptation and mitigation and policies, which can help in reducing the impact of climate change are urgently needed at this stage.

There is an urgent need for agricultural diversification by identifying the key crops/commodities which can help small farm holders to raise their income. Incremental gains in income through diversification will help capital formation which will be instrumental in attaining higher productivity and profitability.

Globalization of agriculture offers immense opportunities for export of agricultural products. This can be harnessed only by increased efficiency in our production systems, improved quality of produce, value addition, market intelligence and long term well targeted export policies and planning, supported an enabling environment both within and outside the country. An institutional mechanism, with emphasis on a single window system, would catalyze the whole process of agricultural exports from India, for which tremendous opportunities exist but have not been tapped presently.

I am sure that the 4th Agriculture Leadership Summit 2011 on the theme of Policy Reforms for Farm Growth will be able to address the issues of productivity, environmental challenges, land and subsidies reforms, food security and all other related issues that our farmers and agriculture sector faces today, and would come out with the recommendations for Government to consider addressing the challenges to the agriculture sector.”

We'll be putting up latest updates related to Public Distribution System on our blog as well our site i.e. PDS Gaya site.

(Inputs taken from Press Information Bureau, GOI website)

Below Poverty Line or BPL Ration card is issued to families who has monthly per capita income of less than `432.9. According to BPL scheme, families Below Poverty Line are allocated foodgrains and other commodities under subsidized rates. This is an attempt by the government to alleviate poverty from the country. In other words families who are earning daily basis but are under the Line of Poverty as per the Government are issued this card with which they can draw commodities from FPS of the PublicDistribution System. According to PDS Gaya, each BPL family is alloted 35 Kg of wheat and rice at the rate of `4.50 and `6.02 per Kg respectively.

Requirements For Issue Of BPL Cards

1. Application form duly attested by Village head or Sarpanch in case of rural areas and Area Councilor in case of urban areas.
2. Two passport size group family photographs
3. A duly specified affidavit specifying family and members' details
4. The applicant should not be in possession of colored television, scooter or refrigerator and
5. The family's monthly per capita income should be less than `432.9

For more detailed information on how to apply for BPL Ration card, what is needed and whom to approach, you may visit PDSGaya website.

Antyodaya Scheme as you know is a scheme aimed to feed the poorest of poor families by providing food-grains and other commodities in a very low rate under the Public Distribution System. But who are eligible for the scheme? Here are how identification of Antyodaya families are done.

1. Each State or UT has a particular indicated number of Antyodaya Families. This will further be distributed among the districts and the District Administration will do the same in the Panchayat and Municipal level.
2. Identification is commenced by District Collectors after giving wide publicity of the scheme. Publicity is done in order to make the people aware about the criteria for acquiring the scheme.
3. Strict supervision is (should be) done in identifying beneficiaries in various Development blocks.
4. Each Panchayat is assigned to an Officer of Revenue or responsible department who should be help accountable for proper identification of beneficiaries.
5. In the first phase, each panchayat draws up a tentative list of poorest of poor family keeping in view the number of families allotted to the Panchayat.
6. The data of each family included in the list is then verified by the officer nominated for this purpose who is help accountable for the same.
7. In the second phase (when the list is ready), a meeting of the Gram Sabha may be held which is attended by the assigned officer. Everything is placed clearly in front of everyone.
8. Names of the beneficiaries may be read out in the meeting after being finalized by the Gram Sabha. Names are arranged in such a way that the most deserving family is placed on top of the list, second most deserving comes second and so on.
9. The list approved by the Gram Sabha may be consolidated at the Block level and then the District.

The beneficiaries hence identified are eligible for drawing low cost supplies under the Public Distribution System for which they will be issued special ration cards.

More on information related to PDS, visit PDS Gaya website.