**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1638, addressed on July 30, 2025, regarding ration shops in the Jalpaiguri district, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution provides the following information:
All Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in Jalpaiguri are equipped with e-Point of Sale (ePoS) devices, and Aadhaar-based authentication is available for Public Distribution System (PDS) delivery. In June 2025, a total of 9445.88 metric tons of foodgrains were distributed in the district.
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Jalpaiguri currently has 11,32,095 beneficiaries covered under the Priority Household (PHH) scheme and 3,50,169 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
To ensure transparency and grievance redressal, a helpline number, 1967/1800-State series number, is operational in all States/Union Territories for beneficiaries to contact and file complaints related to the Public Distribution System (PDS). Complaints received by the Department are forwarded to the respective State/UT Governments for inquiry and appropriate action.
Key Entities Referenced
Jalpaiguri District: A district in the state of West Bengal, India, which is the focus of the question regarding ration shops and the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Public Distribution System (PDS): A government-run system for distributing essential commodities, such as food grains, to the public at subsidized prices.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): A scheme under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) that provides highly subsidized food grains to the poorest families.
National Food Security Act (NFSA): An Act of the Parliament of India which aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large section of the Indian population.
ePoint of Sale machines (ePoS): Electronic devices used at Fair Price Shops to record transactions and authenticate beneficiaries using Aadhaar.
Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identity number issued to all Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: The Indian government ministry responsible for policies related to consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya: Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1638
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30TH JULY, 2025
RATION SHOPS IN JALPAIGURI DISTRICT
1638 DR. JAYANTA KUMAR ROY:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
be pleased to state:
(a) whether all ration shops in Jalpaiguri district are equipped with e-Point of Sale
machines and Aadhaar-based authentication for Public Distribution System (PDS) delivery;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the performance of the system;
(c) the number of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and National Food
Security Act (NFS A) in Jalpaiguri; and
(d) whether any recent measures have been taken by the Government to ensure
transparency and grievance redressal and if so, the details thereoP
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
(a) & (b): All Fair Price Shops (FPSs) of Jalpaiguri district are equipped with ePoS devices
and Aadhaar based authentication facility is also available at these FPSs for Public Distribution
System (PDS) delivery. A total of 9445.88 MT offoodgrains distributed in Jalpaiguri district
during the month of June 2025 .
(c): At present, 11,32,095 and 3,50, 169 beneficiaries are covered under Priority Household
(PHII) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) respectively in Jalpaiguri under Nation Food
Security Act (NFS A).
(d): Helpline number 1967/1800-State series number is operational in all the States/ UTs for
contacting and redressal of the complaints in Public Distribution System (PDS) and filing any
type of complaints by the intended beneficiaries. As and when complaints are received in this
Department from any source, they are sent to State/ UT Governments concerned for inquiry
and appropriate action.
#8##