Question #
What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective?
Answer by Chad #
The government has implemented several reformative steps to make the food grain distribution system more effective. Some of these steps include:
1. Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS): The government identifies and provides subsidized food grains to priority households, particularly those below the poverty line, through the TPDS. This ensures that the most vulnerable sections of society have access to affordable food.
2. Aadhaar-based Biometric Authentication: To prevent leakages and ensure transparency in the distribution system, the government has introduced Aadhaar-based biometric authentication. This ensures that beneficiaries receive their entitlements directly, eliminating fake/bogus beneficiaries and middlemen.
3. National Food Security Act (NFSA): The NFSA aims to provide food and nutritional security to vulnerable sections of society by providing highly subsidized food grain through the TPDS. It aims to cover around 67% of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas) and guarantees legal entitlements to eligible beneficiaries.
4. Technology-enabled systems: The government has introduced the use of technology to streamline operations and reduce corruption. This includes the introduction of electronic point of sale (ePOS) machines, SMS alerts, and online grievance redressal systems. These systems help in tracking the movement of food grains, reducing pilferage, and providing real-time information to beneficiaries.
5. Fortification of food grains: To address nutritional deficiencies, the government has started fortifying food grains with essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. This ensures that beneficiaries receive not only sufficient calories but also necessary micronutrients required for their overall health.
6. Efficient procurement and storage: The government has taken steps to enhance the procurement infrastructure and increase the storage capacity for food grains. This helps in reducing wastage, improving the quality of food grains, and ensuring their availability in times of emergencies or natural disasters.
These reformative measures aim to make the food grain distribution system more targeted, transparent, and efficient, thereby ensuring food security for those in need.