Revised citizens’ charter for effective implementation of TPDS
By: A DIPR feature by Lolano P. Khuvung
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With an objective to ensure food security to the weaker sections of the society, the Government of Nagaland is committed to implement the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to the best advantage of the beneficiaries with full transparency and efficiency of operation and accountability of the authorities implementing it. Presently, the TPDS benefits the poorest of the poor identified families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and other population living below poverty line identifies as such, within the overall norms approved by the department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. As regards to people above poverty line, the benefits under TPDS are restricted as per instructions issued from time to time. Identification of BPL and AAY families: The local administrative officers are fully involved for identification of genuine BPL/AAY/Annapurna beneficiaries in their respective jurisdiction with the help of Food and Civil Supply officials and Municipal/Town Committee Members in the case of Urban Areas and Village Council in the case of Rural Areas. Issue of ration cards: On completion of identification process, Ration Cards are issued to the genuine beneficiaries for collection of their entitlement from the FPS indicated on the card. a. Special Red Coloured Ration Cards have been issued to all identified BPL beneficiaries. b. Distinctive Blue Coloured Ration Cards have been issued to all identified AAY beneficiaries. c. Green Coloured Ration Cards have been issued to all the identified beneficiaries under Annapurna Scheme. d. APL Ration Card is being issued to all the Citizens on demand provided all the required information has been correctly given. The Sate Government shall ensure periodical checking of Ration Cards to eliminate bogus Ration Cards and also take stern action against persons found guilty of misusing the TPDS benefits Distribution: On getting allocation of food grains from the Central Government, the State Government will issue district wise allocation orders authorizing the appointed Stockists/Nominees to draw food grains from the FCI and ensure delivery of the same to the Fair Price Shops/delivery points for further distribution to the identified beneficiaries. Quality of food grains: To ensure quality and quantity of food grains lifted from FCI by the State Authorized Agencies/FPS, a committee has been constituted from representative of State Government Officials of FCI for joint inspection. The committee will also ensure that inferior quality stocks do not replace the stocks during storage, transit or at any other stage in the distribution chain. Fair price shops: The TPDS functions through a network of Fair Price Shop. The procedure for issue of licenses or authorization to the FPS for distribution of essential commodities under the PDS have already been laid down by the State Government in the Deed of Agreement with the licensee which includes sale of essential commodities as per the entitlement of the ration card holders at the retail price fixed by the state government, display of all necessary information on the Notice Board, inspection of stocks relating to quality and quantity of commodities received and issued etc. Inspection and checking: To make the system more transparent and effective, both administrative as well as officers of Food and Civil Supplies will conduct checking and inspection of FPS up to the village level. Cancellation of licenses FPS: In the event to comply with the rules/deed of agreement of the system by any FPS dealers, appropriate action in accordance with the provision of Law/Deed of Agreement shall be initiated against the erring FPS dealers which may lead to cancellation of License/forfeiting of security money deposited etc. The State Government has also constituted Vigilance Committees to periodically review functioning of the TPDS as well as to redress public grievances at all levels in the State The Department of Food and Civil Supplies Affirms its commitment to TPDS focusing on the poor sections of the society, through this Charter and will do its utmost for the efficient, effective and successful implementation of TPDS in the State of Nagaland. (A DIPR feature by Lolano P. Khuvung). (Courtesy: Department of Food & Civil Supplies)
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