Centre sets Delhi June 30 deadline to operationalise ePoS at ration shops

Food Ministry accuses Delhi govt. of violating National Food Security Act

The Centre has accused the Delhi government of violating the National Food Security Act (NFSA) by failing to operationalise electronic point of sale (ePoS) devices at its ration shops and implement the One Nation One Ration Card scheme. In a letter on Thursday, the Food Ministry issued an ultimatum to the State government, demanding that action is taken by the end of the month. Section 12 of the NFSA says that the Centre and States shall endeavour to undertake reforms in the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), including the “application of information and communication technology tools including end-to-end computerisation to ensure transparent recording of transactions at all levels, and to prevent diversion,” as well as leveraging Aadhaar and ensuring full transparency of records. “By not operationalising ePoS devices at the fair price shops (for transparent distribution of foodgrains), GNCTD is in violation of the Section-12 of the Act. Reforms under TPDS are mandated under the Act to promote transparency and rightful targeting,” said the letter, noting that the Food Ministry has written more than 12 letters on the issue over the last three years. “However, the distribution of foodgrains in Delhi is still being done using old/manual register-based mechanisms. Further, this non-compliance is also blocking the implementation of One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) for numerous migrant beneficiaries in the National Capital,” it added.