DFPD Submits Field Assessment Report on Public Distribution System in Aspirational Districts
SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution | NITI Aayog
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has presented a comprehensive field assessment report on Public Distribution System (PDS) operations in 112 Aspirational Districts to Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi. Conducted in JuneβJuly 2025 by over 140 senior officers from DFPD and FCI, the study covered 277 Fair Price Shops (FPS), 458 PMGKAY beneficiaries, 108 depots, 113 procurement centres, and grievances from 164 petitioners. It also included consultations with district and state authorities. The report lays out key recommendations aimed at bolstering procurement, storage, PDS delivery, grievance redressal, and infrastructure, especially in underserved regions.
To improve service delivery, the DFPD plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign in vernacular languages to educate citizens about PDS entitlements, ONORC, rice fortification, and grievance mechanisms. Digital interventions, including AI-based feedback systems, will enhance time-bound grievance resolution through coordination with states and food commissions. For better procurement and storage, the government will invest in upgrading facilities, promoting SMART warehouses with AI integration.
These steps are part of Indiaβs drive to create a technology-enabled, transparent, and inclusive food security system, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have reliable access to nutritional support.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can AI-powered grievance redressal and SMART warehouse infrastructure be scaled and evaluated to improve last-mile efficiency in Indiaβs PDS, particularly in Aspirational Districts?
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https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163979