New Delhi: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has proposed to introduce a pilot scheme in six Union Territories (UTs) for direct transfer of food subsidy under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Under the proposed scheme, food grains will be issued by Food Corporation of India at the economic cost. The cash subsidy equal to the difference in the economic cost and the present issue price will be credited to the bank account of the beneficiary in advance to enable the beneficiary to purchase the food grains at this cost. The proposal does not involve dismantling the TPDS as food grains shall continue to be distributed to the beneficiaries under TPDS through the Fair Price Shops. This information was given by Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The pilot scheme will be introduced in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
The proposed scheme does not envisage any change in the quantum of food subsidy being presently paid to the six UTs.