States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve financial viability of Fair Price Shops

way2barak, Nov.19: States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops (FPS), said Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution while interacting with States/UTs duringa conference of Food Secretaries on Friday here.

One of the best practices on FPS transformation was demonstrated by the Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu highlighting multiple initiatives undertaken such as selling of commodities, minor millets, grocery items, ISO certification of FPSs during his presentation. Secretary, DFPD appreciated the persistent efforts of Tamil Nadu and stressed on the significance of transformation of FPS.

During the Conference, a presentation was made indicating the present status of finalization of accounts, their pendency and way forward for accelerating the same. Secretary, DFPD, impressed upon that the process may be expedited and as many as possible States’ accounts be settled before the next Financial Year.  He also stressed for improvement of infrastructure in Mandis/ Procurement Centres in the States for the overall benefit of the farmers of the State.

A presentation was made on “Route Optimisation of TDPS Supply Chain” which reduces overall logistics cost by optimally utilizing existing resources like FPS, godown. Estimated finding of route optimization study in Uttarakhand state by WFP (World Food Programme) was shared by state’s official. Presently, WFP is carrying out route optimization study in 3 states on pro bono basis. It was decided to undertake the study in all states & UTs by March2023 and start implementation. States/UTs were requested to extend their support in collection of data and implementation of the findings on priority basis.

Department of Food and Public Distribution is consistently working in the direction of improvement in the quality standards of food grains that are being delivered to the most vulnerable section of the society through various social security scheme of Government of India. In order to streamline the entire process from procurement to distribution and to develop a robust mechanism for monitoring the quality standards of food grains various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been formulated from time to time by the department in consultation with States/other stakeholders.