Recent developments in PDS in India

Published on 11 Mar 2025

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India has undergone significant transformations in recent years, aimed at improving its efficiency, transparency, and coverage. Here are some of the key developments:   

One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC)

Launched in 2019, the ONORC scheme aims to provide nationwide portability of ration cards, allowing beneficiaries to access subsidized food grains from any FPS across the country.

Progress:

As of 2023, the scheme has been implemented in 36 states and Union Territories, covering around 81 crore beneficiaries.

It has facilitated the migration of workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by ensuring access to food grains irrespective of their location.

Digitization and Technology

• Aadhaar linking: Ration cards are being linked to Aadhaar to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure targeted delivery of benefits.   

• Point of Sale (PoS) machines: These machines are being installed at FPS to track transactions and prevent diversion of foodgrains.   

• e-PDS: This involves the use of electronic platforms for procurement, distribution, and monitoring of PDS operations.

• SMART PDS: This scheme aims to modernize the PDS through technology, including biometric authentication, real-time monitoring, and data analytics.   

• Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IMPDS): It is an online platform that integrates the PDS data of all states and Union Territories, facilitating the real-time monitoring of the distribution process and the portability of ration cards.

Focus on Nutrition

• Fortification of rice: The government is promoting the fortification of rice with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to address micronutrient deficiencies.   

• Distribution of fortified foods: Other fortified foods like pulses and oil are also being included in the PDS basket.

Emphasis on millets: The government is promoting the consumption of millets through the PDS to improve nutritional security and support farmers.  

Tags:
Economy

Keywords:
Food security Public distribution system National food security act One nation one Ration card

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Agriculture and Food Security