Technology curbs malpractices in PDS, says Akun Sabharwal

Hyderabad: Telangana government curbed malpractice and achieved wonderful progress in Public Distribution System (PDS) with the help of technology in every aspect, Akun Sabharwal, Civil Supplies Commissioner said.

Commissioner participated in two-day national conference of State/UT Food Secretaries on "PDS Reforms & New Initiatives" in Gujarat. On Monday, Commissioner made a power point presentation on implementation of reforms, new technology and success achieved by Telangana Civil Supplies department in PDS.

He said, being the youngest State in India Telangana achieved good results with reforms and technology. As per 2011 census, population in Telangana is 3.51 crore. There are 87.72 lakh food security cards for 2.81 crore beneficiaries. Every eligible beneficiary is given 6 kgs of rice at Rs 1 per kilo, he stated.

In May 2018,ration portability was introduced for better service to beneficiaries to avail ration from anywhere in the State, he explained, addingevery month approximately 13 lakh transactions are done per month.

For transparent and accountability in paddy procurement to public distribution, different mobile apps are introduced. OPMS, geotagging of PPCs, miller acknowledgment, T-Ration and T-Wallet apps are available for better services.

Alok Kumar, Secretary to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and other Food & Civil Supplies secretaries praised Telangana Civil Supplies initiatives for giving better service to people in PDS.