WFP Delegation Reviews TPDS Pilot Project in Rayagada
A World Food Programme (WFP) delegation led by Mr. Torben Due, Director (Operation), WFP, Rome finished their visit to Rayagada District in the State of Orissa for reviewing the progress of WFP’s pilot project on technology based initiative for strengthening of Targtted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to decide about its scalability and replication. The delegation also called on Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in New Delhi earlier this week.
The visit of the aforesaid delegation had been inspired by the invitation of the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Dr. B.C. Gupta, when he discussed the matter with Ms. Josette Sheeran, Executive Director, WFP during his visit to Rome in the month of October, 2011 and had suggested for scaling up and replicability of the pilot project in the other districts of the country.
The delegation debriefied the Food Minister regarding their visit and observations about the project. They have agreed to the suggestion of replicating the aforesaid initiative in some other States in consultation with the Government of India for which they would like to submit a draft Memorandum of Understanding to the Government of India soon. Prof. K.V. Thomas, MOS (I/c), Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution while thanking the delegation for their initiative in this regard has agreed to consider the proposal as and when it is received.
The computerization of the TPDS assumes all the more significance in view of the forthcoming proposed enactment of National Food Security Act shortly. It would certainly add to the efficiency of the TPDS and help in reaching the required quantity of foodgrains to the targeted beneficiaries.
YSK:CP: food (16.2.2011)