States loath to use IT to check PDS grain diversion: SC panel

"Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2001 provides that the State Government is to ensure monitoring of the functioning of the PDS at the Fair Price Shop level through the computerisation network of NIC installed in the NIC centres.

"No State took notice of these provisions and took no step towards computerisation of PDS," the report submitted by Justice D P Wadhwa Committee said adding this was despite the fact that "there is undoubtedly nexus between the Fair Price Shop (FPS) owners, transporters, bureaucrats and politicians."

It said in the absence of computerisation, the states should introduce toll free number for redressal of complaints, SMS alert system for social audit and information on distribution of food grain be uploaded regularly on the national web portal.

The report, submitted in pursuance to the apex court's September 17, 2012 order, said the Central Vigilance Committee (CVC) in its report on Delhi, submitted in August 2007, had pointed out these provisions of the Control Order and recommended computerisation of PDS in the state.

"...CVC submitted a comprehensive report on computerisation in February 2009. Central Government in 2009 approved a scheme on computerisation of PDS on pilot basis in three districts in each of the four states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Delhi. There was no positive response from the states," the 20-page report said. (More)