An online platform to strengthen food security
Indian state of Chhattisgarh has devised a computerised mechanism to combat the corruption and leakages in the Public Distribution System. The new system provides effective monitoring right from procurement of food grains to their distribution.
- Farmers with computerised cheques/ Photo credit: Food book 2007-2008, NIC & Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corp
Food security has been a major development objective in India given high global food prices planning. The Public Distribution System (PDS) forms an important component of the strategy for poverty eradication, specifically by serving the undernourished.
The state government of Chhattisgarh procures paddy on behalf of the Government of India at MSPs. The paddy procured is converted into rice by millers and then handed over to the Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation (CGSCSC) for distribution under PDS.
Corruption in PDS is widespread because the amount of subsidy involved and the presence of a large number of FPSs makes it difficult to monitor the working of the scheme and leaves scope for leakages.
In order to address these issues, the State of Chhattisgarh rolled out its end-to-end information technology solution created a citizen interface website for citizen awareness and participation in the smooth functioning of PDS.
PDS goes online
The citizens can register their grievances on the website can be tracked through a web application. Action is taken on all complaints within a given time limit, and citizens are informed by e-mail, SMS, voice call or a letter by post of the result of their inquiry, which is also published online.
This reform process has helped to make PDS in Chhattisgarh efficient and effective.
With the automatic generation of receipts and cheques, the delay in payments to farmers has been addressed. Prior to 2007, farmers had to wait up to six days to receive the payment for their produce; today, the cheque is issued on-the-spot, where and when the commodity is sold.
The new system also provides for transparency and accountability. Operations are recorded at every step, so data is at the fingertips of concerned authorities, making it convenient for them to monitor the scheme. Gaps at every level can be identified and the faulty made accountable.
A ray of Hope
With PDS often subjected to scrutiny for its high association with corrupt practices. Various state governments have tried to address the issue in several ways like bar-coded food coupons, food stamps, and biometrically coded ration cards, none of them have been entirely successful.
The ICT solution is showing very encouraging results that indicate strengthening of the delivery mechanism. States like Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are keen to undertake similar reforms.
Future plans of the government include the computerisation of FPSs and introduction of smart ration cards.
