National Food Security Act, 2013
Chapter V
Reforms in Targeted Public Distribution System
12. Reforms in Targeted Public Distribution
System.
1. The
Central and State Governments shall endeavour to progressively undertake
necessary reforms in the Targeted Public Distribution System in consonance with
the role envisaged for them in this Act.
2. The
reforms shall, inter alia, include—
a.
doorstep delivery of food-grains to the Targeted Public
Distribution System outlets;
b.
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;
c.
leveraging ''aadhaar'' for unique identification, with biometric
information of entitled beneficiaries for proper targeting of benefits under
this Act;
d.
full transparency of records;
e.
preference to public institutions or public bodies such as
Panchayats, selfhelp groups, co-operatives, in licensing of fair price shops
and management of fair price shops by women or their collectives;
f.
diversification of commodities distributed under the Public
Distribution System over a period of time;
g.
support to local public distribution models and grains banks;
h.
introducing schemes, such as, cash transfer, food coupons, or
other schemes, to the targeted beneficiaries in order to ensure their foodgrain
entitlements specified in Chapter II, in such area and manner as may be
prescribed by the Central Government.