Kochi:
In order to strengthen the effective functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS), every sector under the food distribution process will be computerised by April, Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas has said.
He was speaking at the 'Veetu Muttathu Oru Triveni' launching ceremony here on Saturday.
"The pilot project for computerisation has been implemented in the Centre as well as in other states. By 2012, a new list of ration cards will also be prepared. The food distribution system will be more successful then," the minister said.
He added that the Centre had plans to bring 10-15 per cent increase in food distribution every year, till 2040. At present, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Corporate Affairs is formulating a plan for the effective distribution of edible pulses and oil to the consumers at cheaper rates.
The minister has asked the Consumerfed officials to formulate a plan for the distribution of wheat for the production of aatta at rates provided to farmers. Such a scheme has been fruitful in states like Odisha, he said. A committee for the effective distribution of the food grains and the monitoring of misleading advertisements to protect consumer rights has been formulated."
The minister also said that they were planning to revive the Nafed's 'Easy Market' kit scheme for the distribution of subsidised food items.