In another shameful act related to PDS in India, around 3000 litres of kerosene being illegally transported was seized by the police at Polasara in Ganjam district of Odisha, the police said today.

The kerosene, meant for the public distribution system (PDS), was allegedly transported in a mini-truck yesterday, they said. "The driver of the truck Sushant Sahu was arrested," Sub-divisional Police Officer (Chhatrapur) Shantanu Padhy said. The kerosene was being transported from Dhunkapada near Polasara.

Source - PTI

A meeting of State Food Secretaries of wheat procuring States was held on the 21^st February 2012 under the chairmanship of Union Food Secretary, Dr. B.C. Gupta to review procurement arrangements for the forthcoming Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2012-13 in different States.

The estimated procurement during RMS 2-12-13 as intimated by the States is 318.9 lakh MTs as compared to 283.34 lakh MT of actual procurement during RMS 2011-12. The meeting discussed State-wise estimates of procurement. Madhya Pradesh has indicated a record estimate of 65 lakh tonnes of procurement for RMS 2012-13.

The period for procurement of wheat during RMS 2012-13 is between 1st April to 30th June, 2012 for majority of States except Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat where it will start on 15th March. In Bihar and Jammu & Kashmit, the procurement will start from 15th April, 2012.

Arrangements for wheat procurement discussed during the meeting include number of purchase centers to be opened in each State, MSP payment arrangements, as possible as through account payee cheques or bank transfers direct to the farmers, quality control measures, storage and movement of foodgrains etc. States assured that they are fully gear up to make record procurement this time and they are in process of setting up control room to monitor it.

For more Public Distribution System related topics and news, visit back or visit PDS Gaya's website → PDS Gaya

The Government is considering a Special Purpose Vehicle for transportation of foodgrains from procuring states to consuming states and GPS tracking system to monitoring the movement of foodgrains. Briefing the media persons after the conclusion of two days’ Conference of State Food and Agriculture Ministers here today, Minister of Consumer Affairs & Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K V.Thomas said that States have resolved to modernize the Public Distribution System and create modern storage facilities.

Prof. Thomas said that during deliberations, it was reported by some of the States that there would be massive savings in foodgrains and subsidy amount if biometric-based bar-coded ration cards are issued to the beneficiaries. The intention was to ensure that the fruits of subsidy reach the poor and needy sections of the society and the PDS is streamlined / modernized with the help of modern techniques of Information Technology. It was stated that a Plan Scheme had already been drafted and sent to the Planning Commission for giving financial assistance to the States to computerize the PDS.

He said that the Conference also resolved to create modern storage facilities including 2 MMT of storage in the shape of silos. The States were strongly urged to provide lands for setting up silos and take advantage of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme of the Government of India.

The purpose of the conference was to provide a common platform to all the key decision makers involved in Food and Public Distribution System of India, from Centre and States / UTs to discuss and debate the various issues in modernizing the TPDS, to arrive at an action plan to be implemented by the various agencies and also to set timelines for completion of the same.

Minister of Consumer Affairs & Food and Public Distribution pointed out that this is the time to act given the huge subsidy of 60-80% on the price of foodgrains. Hence, it is the moral responsibility of all those involved to ensure that it reaches the true beneficiaries at the right time. He complimented the FCI for reducing storage losses from 2.5% to 0.1% through modernization of godowns. He requested all the States to prepare a 5-year prospective plan to create intermediate storage capacity at the district, block, Gram Panchayat and fair price shop level by leveraging existing schemes, both at the Central and State level.

During the deliberations, the Chairman UIDAI expounded on the tremendous possibilities that the Aadhar Scheme held for modernization of TPDS. He also spoke on the recommendation of the task force on reform of PDS and the PDS Network (PDSN).

In the Interactive sessions spread over two days, all the States and Union Territories made their presentation highlighting the issues faced by them and also giving their valuable suggestions for the smooth functioning of the TPDS and storage initiatives. Further, the States elaborated their plans in the direction of achieving transparency, modernization through latest technology and the progress made in the creation of storage. Many States provided details of the best practices evolved by them for improving the efficiency of TPDS, such as the use of coupons, SMS, bar-codes, biometric identification, smart cards, GPS enabled vehicles, etc.

North Eastern States were vocal in their demand for increased financial assistance to meet their transportation cost and to improve their transportation infrastructure. Many of the smaller States asked FCI to procure in their States until such time that they set up their own procurement infrastructure and institutions. Similarly hilly States and NE States also wanted maintenance of 3-4 months buffer stocks at district level as transportation is severely affected during winter and monsoon.

The Conference was attended by Food and Agriculture Ministers from 20 different States / UTs. The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee was the Chief Guest. The Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Nandan Nilekani, Chairman, UIDAI and Shri Ajit Seth, Cabinet Secretary were some of the important participants in the Conference.

Source - Press Information Bureau Website Dated 9th Feb 2012

National Food Security Bill, a historic initiative by Central Government Puducherry, February 11, 2012 Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas, said that the National Food Security Bill is a historic initiative by the government of India and marks a paradigm shift in food security from welfare to a rights-based approach. This Bill is perhaps the only legislation of its kind in the world, says the Minister.

Prof. K.V. Thomas was addressing the All-India Editors’ Conference on Social Sector Issues (ECSSI) in Puducherry on the 11^th Feb 2012. According to Food Minister, the NFSB seeks to address the issue of food security in a comprehensive manner by adopting a life cycle approach. Prof. Thomas clarified that the additional financial implication of the NFSB is not going to be large. With the current coverage and entitlement and also taking into account estimated allocations under other welfare schemes, the food subsidy for 2012-13 is expected to be about Rs.88997 crore. However, if we were to just update the coverage under TPDS (Targetted Public Distribution System) using 2011 census, the subsidy will be Rs.109795 crore. In comparison, the estimated subsidy requirement under NFSB is Rs.1,12,205 crore, i.e., an additional amount of Rs.2410 crore.

Prof. Thomas said that the perception of some states about the coverage under TPDS provide in the bill being restrictive and which will come in the way of universal PDS for a much higher coverage being implemented by them is misplaced. The Bill only specifies the minimum entitlement under TPDS and places obligations on central and state governments to fulfill them once the Act comes into force. He said that the apprehensions in some States about their food grain allocations under NFSB getting reduced is premature. The issue of state-wise coverage, corresponding the all-India coverage specified in the Bill, is yet to be decided.

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) received 13,295 calls during December 2011. In addition to these telephonic calls/complaints, 467 complaints were also received through online complaint system on NCH website.

The maximum calls were received from Delhi followed by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, ,Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Break-up of calls in respect of top five States during December 2011 is as under:

Sl. No.	State	Complaints	Total Calls %age
1	Delhi	3128	23.53
2	Uttar Pradesh	1890	14.22
3	Maharashtra	1794	13.49
4	Haryana	1135	8.54
5	Rajasthan	944	7.1
6	Bihar	742	5.58
7	Gujarat	675	5.08
8	West Bengal	484	3.64
9	Madhya Pradesh	432	3.25
10	Karnataka	354	2.66

The ‘Telecom’ sector recorded maximum complaints i.e. 14.64. It was followed by products ‘LPG’ ‘Banking’ ‘Public Distribution System’ and ‘Insurance’.

As per feedback received from 1109 callers, 1064 complaints were resolved under convergence with various companies.

Consumers from across the country can access the toll free National Consumer Help Line No. 1800-11-400 and seek telephonic counseling for consumer related problems faced by them. The Consumer Helpline also provides information, advice and guidance related to consumer issues. Complaints can be registered also on the website: www.nationalconsumerhelpline.in.

For more news and updates related to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, stay connected with PDS Gaya's Blog. You may also visit PDS Gaya's site by clicking HERE.

The stock position of food grains in the Central Pool as on 1.12.2011 was 547.19 lakh tons comprising of 270.63 lakh tons of rice and 276.56 lakh tons of wheat. The buffer stocks norms have been maintained for rice and wheat for the entire Central Pool stocks on a quarterly basis.

The current stocks of food grains in the Central Pool are quite adequate to meet the food grain requirements of the country as per existing allocations for TPDS and Other Welfare schemes. The Government has been intensifying procurement operations and more States are encouraged to make decentralized procurement. Government has been reviewing the Minimum Support Price for food grains from time to time to encourage farmers to produce more. As a result, procurement during the last four years has recorded considerable increase from 36.24 million tons in 2006-07 to 62.34 million tons in 2010-11. Further, to augment scientific storage capacities, Government has formulated a Scheme for construction of storage go-downs through private entrepreneurs, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs). Under the scheme, capacity of about 151 lakh tons is to be created in 19 States through private entrepreneurs and CWC and SWCs. 5.4 and 14.4 lakh tons storage capacities respectively are being constructed by CWC and SWCs under the Scheme. Out of the above, a capacity of about 4 lakh tons has already been completed by CWC/SWCs.

The Government has made allocation of a quantity of 612.07 lakh tons of rice and wheat under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) during the current year, thus making substantial quantity of food grains available through the Public Distribution System at subsidized prices. This includes additional allocation of 50 lakh tons of food grains to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families at BPL prices in May 2011 and 50 lakh tons to Above Poverty Line (APL) families at APL prices in June 2011. In addition to the above, 23.67 lakh tons of food grains have been allocated at Antyodaya Anna Yojana(AAY) and BPL prices to 27 States for distribution in 174 poorest/backward districts.

This information was given by the Minister of State (independent charge) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V. Thomas in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on the 20^th December 2011.

Source: Press Information Bureau Website.

For more visit PDS Gaya's website.

A delegation of Indonesian National Logistic Agency led by its Chairman,Mr Sutarto Alimoeso, called on Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Prof. K.V.Thomas here today. The delegation has come to explore possibility of import of rice from India. During the meeting, the delegation discussed latest trends in the foodgrain production and increasing requirement of various food commodities. Mr. Alimoeso said that due to shortfall of rice production in Indonesia, there is a need to import rice in his country. India, one of the major producer of rice can fulfill the requirement. The delegation also discussed edible oil requirement of India and its import to India from Indonesia.

Prof. Thomas appraised the delegation of the Public Distribution System or PDS in India and foodgrain productions and management. He said India at the moment has enough foodgrain stock and may consider request of Indonesia. Senior officials of the Ministry of Food and Food Corporation of India were also present during the meeting.

Source – News release from Press Information Bureau GOI website dated 2nd November 2011

For other PDS related news or updates visit PDS Gaya

 

The Central Government has decided to make available 19.15 lac tons of sugar (levy sugar 2.14 lac tons and non-levy sugar 17.01 lac tons) for the month of November, 2011 as given below:-

Sl. No.	Particulars	Quantity (In Lac Tons)
1	Levy Sugar quota – A	2.14
2	Non-levy sugar quota
	a. Normal quota	17
	b. Availability out of white/refined sugar processed out of imported raw sugar during the month of September, 2011	0.01
	Total non-levy quota - B	17.01
3	Total (A+B)	19.15

This quantity of 19.15 lac tons is sufficient to meet the internal demand of sugar for the month of November, 2011.

The sugar factory shall sell/deliver and dispatch the entire non-levy quantity released for the month of November, 2011 as above only within the validity period of the release order i.e. upto 30.11.2011.

Source – Press Information Bureau, GOI website.

For more updates related to Public Distribution System and other Food and Public Distribution, keep visiting PDS Gaya's website and blog.

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri K.V. Thomas today released Operational Report of FCI for the year 2010-11. It is first report of its kind since inception of FCI (Food Corporation of India) in 1965. The statistical information contained in this report is based on operational data of FCI.

Releasing the report, the Minister said the report is an initiative to bring more transparency in the working of FCI. He said that the report would serve as a single repository of information, which is handy at the same time comprehensive, highlighting the metro level operational data. He said efforts are being made to modernize the storage of foodgrains by adopting latest technology. Efforts are also being made to increase the storage capacity of FCI, which has been increased by 27.74 lakh tones during 2010-11.

According the report, FCI recorded an increase of 10% in the total movements of foodgrains during 2010-11 over last year. Movements to north-eastern region increased about 19%. During the year the FCI made record procurement and record allocations of foodgrains.

The Operational Report contained in eight chapters gives statistical data of stock, storage capacity, distribution & procurement.

This is according to a 21st October 2011 press released available on the website, Press Information Bureau. For other Public Distribution System Related information, visit PDS Gaya's website.

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas has said that Indian Standards, wherever feasible, should be. It will help our industry to compete globally. Prof. Thomas was addressing a seminar on the occasion of celebrations of World Standards Day here today (14^th October 2011). He asked the Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) to take periodic review and up gradation of Indian Standards, keeping in view consumer needs, health and safety aspects, environmental protection and the latest technological developments.

Highlighting the need of adopting International Standards, the Minister said that these Standards give manufacturers confidence to reach out to the global markets with the knowledge that their products will perform globally and users can obtain same services, wherever they travel. International Standards also promote the transfer of new technologies by facilitating market access for innovative solutions and by providing confidence to the users. Purchasing products or services complying with international standards assures the consumers that they can rely on the same and thereby makes their investments more secure, he added

The minister said that today, India is an important player in the global market. It is therefore important that, where exports are concerned, we make all efforts in adhering to the national/international standards and quality requirements so that our national image and commercial interests are enhanced and protected overseas. In the present era of the WTO, the national standards play a vital role. Further, as per WTO TBT agreement, to which India is also a signatory, the technical regulations are normally required to be based on international standards. Prof. Thomas urged the manufacturers and exporters to comply fully to the prescribed standards and regulations so that the international consumers and community have confidence in Indian manufactured goods and products,

The minister said that all the standardization efforts require active involvement of consumers. He expressed the hope that the BIS is conscious of its role in protecting consumer interests with the representation consumer bodies in its various Advisory and technical committees.

On the occasion, it was informed that BIS is formulating Indian Standards in line with the national priorities in a time bound manner. It has formulated over 18,600 Indian standards on diverse subjects, ranging from food, chemicals, engineering, textiles, to high technological areas of electronics. These standards are formulated through a network of technical committees comprising different stakeholders like representatives from industry, research and development organizations, consumers, testing and lab experts, government etc.

(Source – Press Information Bureau website)

For latest updates related to Public Distribution System and news release by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, visit PDS Gaya's Blog.

The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) achieved yet another record turnover of Rs.1030 crore during 2010-11 as against `988 crore achieved during the preceding year. Shri. B.B. Pattanaik, Managing Director, CWC presented a dividend cheque of `14.97 crore to Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution today (13th October 2011).

Congratulating CWC for its commendable performance, the Minister urged CWC to modernize its storage infrastructure and introduce mechanized handling of stocks at its warehouses.

CWC achieved highest ever Profit Before Tax (PBT) of `203.73 crore as against `163.88 crore during 2010-11, registering a growth of 24.32%.This could be possible due to addition of constructed storage capacity by 1.45 lakh MT and increase in overall capacity utilization (occupancy) to 88% as against 85% achieved during previous year. Keeping in view the national priority for safe preservation of food grains procured for Central Pool, utilization of capacity for storage of food grains was given adequate attention which increased from 48% during 2009-10 to 54% in 2010-11. CWC registered 10% growth in handling of 12.32 lakh TEUs during 2010-11 as against 11.21 lakh TEUs handled during 2009-10 and 6.4% increase in revenue earned out of Container Rail Transport operations and income under Pest Control activities also registered a growth of 12.66%.

Keeping in view the excellent financial results, CWC has declared highest ever dividend for the year 2010-11 @ 40%.

During the current financial year, CWC plans to construct storage capacity of about 2.09 lakh MT with a financial outlay of `78 crore in 11 States mainly for storage of food grains and construct Multi-Storeyed Warehouses in the Metro cities. CWC also plans to commence operations of Private Freight Terminals at its rail-based facilities at Bamanheri (UP) and Nabha (Punjab) besides setting up of Land Custom Station at Ghojadanga (West Bengal).

(Source – Press Information Bureau)

For more Public Distribution System related news, you may visit PDS Gaya's Blog again.

PDS Gaya started assisting consumers through telephone helpline, email and web-based customer feedback. This is step taken up to ensure proper function of the public distribution system in the city.

The Nation Consumer Helpline hit record high number of calls this July and likewise, PDS Gaya's Helpline is also expecting increasing number of calls each passing time.

As per the NCH website, maximum calls were received from Delhi followed by Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Break-up of calls in respect of top five States during March 2011 is as under:

S. No.	State	Complaints	% age of total calls
1	Delhi	4577	39.32
2	Maharashtra	1414	12.15
3	Uttar Pradesh	1364	11.72
4	Haryana	857	7.36
5	Rajasthan	598	5.14

The ‘Product’ sector contributed 11% of the total calls/complaints followed by Telecom, ‘Banking’ ‘LPG’, ‘and ‘Insurance’ registering between 10% -2 % complaints.

As per feedback received from 703 callers, 640 complaints were resolved under convergence with various companies.

Consumers from across the country can access the toll free National Consumer Help Line 1800-11-400 and seek telephonic counseling for consumer related problems faced by them. The Consumer Helpline also provides information, advice and guidance related to consumer issues. Complaints can be registered also on the website www.nationalconsumerhelpline.in

The above has been cited to let people know how online and telephonic feedback of customers can be helpful in making them satisfied with services and products provided to them. Therefore, we encourage people to feel free to contact PDS Gaya's consumer helpline at +916312220903. One can also email at complaints@gayapds.bih.nic.in citing the reason of the complaint. PDS Gaya helpline will also provide information, advice and guidance related to Public Distribution System issues. Complaints can also be registered on the PDS Gaya website.

(With inputs from Press Information Bureau, GOI)

Antyodaya Scheme is launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on the 25^th of December 2000 (then Atal Bihari Vajpayee). The objective of the scheme would be to create a hunger free India and to bring about positive changes in the Public Distribution System throughout the country.

Utmost priority is given to poorest of poor families both in rural and urban areas of the country. This is the reflection of the Government's struggle to eliminate hunger from the face of it's citizens (it is sad that most of us fail to understand and make use of this scheme in the wrong way). This scheme is for those people who are unable to acquire 2 square meals a day. The number of such families is estimated to be over 5% of the whole country's population.

Those families entitled for this scheme will be provided 35 Kg of Food-grains per month. Food-grains i.e. rice and wheat will be provided by the Government of India at the rate of `3 per Kg. and `2 per Kg. respectively (rates however will be subjected to change as per time).

PDS Gaya understands this and will be trying whatever we can to satisfy our people.

To know more on who are eligible for the scheme, visit back later or visit PDS Gaya official website.

Public Distribution System Gaya, makes most PDS related information available on its site. Today's post is about Antyodaya Scheme's Ration Card with which poorest of poor families can get daily commodities in a really low rate. Below is provided a brief information about the Antyodaya Ration Card.

Issue Of Antyodaya Ration Cards

The designated authority issues the ration cards known as “Antyodaya Ration Card” to the Antyodaya families after identification. Each ration card has necessary details about the Antyodaya family and the scale of ration.

 How and Where to apply?

This scheme is for the poorest of poor families. Therefore, families hence included in this category should apply for the scheme as provided below.

For rural areas. applicants will have to apply on a plain paper with details of every family member and their income to the Panchayat Pradhan of their area. The Gram Sabha will decide whether the family is eligible for the scheme or not. If approved by the Gram Sabha, the family will be further approved by the Department of Rural Development, Bihar (in case of Bihar) and the ration card will be issued by the Pradhan/DFSC or after the approval of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.

For urban areas, applicant will have to apply for the scheme on plain paper to the Notified Area Committee. List of selected families will be further approved by the Urban Development Department and the ration card will be issued by the concerned DFSC/Authorized Inspector of a particular area.

Documents Needed For Application

1. Certificate stating that the application is or was not holding any ration card. Affidavit supporting that the applicant didn't hold any ration card previously must be submitted.

2. Income certificate of the family issued by the concerned Patwari.

No form is needed to be filled nor fees will be charged for the application.

The information is taken from PDS Gaya website, visit the site for more schemes information.

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.

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.