Misuse of PDS to be checked by biometrics

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is likely to go in for a radical change with the introduction of the biometrics apparatus at points of sale (PoS), a measure aimed at eliminating middlemen's role in delivery of the items.

With subsidies to the tune of crores of rupees involved in the sale of essential commodities, the authorities want to implement the system in three districts, East Godavari, Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy.

East Godavari was selected on a pilot basis, with implementation to be done in 47 shops in 14 mandals across the district this month onwards.

Of the 14 mandals, eight are in Kakinada division, two in Peddapuram, one in

PDS items will be delivered or rejected after the ration card holder’s identity is cross-checked with his Aadhaar card

Rajahmundry and one in Rampachodavaram in the agency area.

The district has a total of 13.74 lakh white card holders. It is learnt that the district was chosen on the basis of 99 per cent Aadhaar card registrations and 91 per cent finalisation of cards.

As part implementation at the point of sale (the PDS dealer) the unique ID number generated through the Aadhaar card or the enumeration identity number will be matched with the ration card number of the holder, said an assistant supplies officer in the East Godavari district supply office.

After verifying the credentials of the card holder or family member the biometrics system will be applied to match the fingerprints which were recorded at the time of enumeration for the Aadhaar card.

Depending on the biometrical result the PDS items will be delivered or rejected.

Besides this, the dealer will send information on the availability of PDS items to the card holder by SMS.

The district civil supplies department officials expect that these measures will minimise opportunities for misuse of the PDS.