Executive Summary:
This document addresses the strengthening of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Maharashtra, focusing on digitalization, ePoS implementation, Aadhaar authentication, online tracking, grievance redressal, and transparency. It reports on the progress made as of August 6, 2025, in response to questions raised in the Lok Sabha. The report details the extent of modernization and the steps taken to prevent diversion of food grains.
Key Points / Main Content:
Digitalization and Modernization:
* Maharashtra's PDS operations are fully digitized using a Common Application System developed by NIC.
* The system includes digital RCMS, distribution systems (AePDS), and supply chain operations (IAeSCM).
* The SMART PDS scheme is upgrading infrastructure for a uniform system architecture.
ePoS Implementation:
* 52,848 Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in Maharashtra are equipped with ePoS devices.
* District-wise status of ePoS-enabled shops is provided in Annexure.
Aadhaar Authentication:
* Nearly 100% of ration cards in Maharashtra are seeded with Aadhaar.
* 97.84% of food grain distribution under NFSA is through Aadhaar authentication.
* Offline modes are used in areas with network issues; beneficiaries cannot be denied rations due to authentication failures.
Online Tracking:
* Online tracking of food grain allocation is partially implemented in real-time.
* IAeSCM is being enabled for real-time monitoring of food grain movement and delivery at FPS level.
Grievance Redressal:
* An online grievance redressal portal (www.rcms.mahafood.gov) is available for PDS beneficiaries.
* Other platforms like Mera Ration app, NFSA portal, and Anna Sahayata WhatsApp/IVRS are also available.
* From April 2022 to July 2025, 34,793 complaints were received, with 30,305 resolved and action underway for the remaining 4,488.
Transparency and Prevention of Diversion:
* Ration card databases are fully digitized to improve transparency and accountability.
* Transparency portals, online grievance redressal facilities, and toll-free numbers are implemented.
* Online allocation is implemented in all States/UTs, and supply chains are computerized in 31 States/UTs.
* 99.7% of ration cards are Aadhaar seeded nationally, and nearly 5.41 Lakh FPSs are automated with ePoS devices.
* Helpline number 1967/1800 is operational for complaints, which are forwarded to State/UT Governments for action.
Impact Analysis:
State Government of Maharashtra:
* Impact: Responsible for implementing and overseeing the digitized PDS, ensuring ePoS functionality, and addressing grievances.
* Action Required: Continue to upgrade and maintain the digital infrastructure, resolve pending complaints, and act on reported diversions.
Fair Price Shop (FPS) Owners:
* Impact: Must use ePoS devices for distribution and ensure accurate record-keeping.
* Action Required: Maintain ePoS devices, facilitate Aadhaar authentication, and adhere to guidelines for offline distribution in network-affected areas.
Ration Card Holders/Beneficiaries:
* Impact: Access to subsidized food grains through a digitized system with Aadhaar authentication.
* Action Required: Seed Aadhaar with ration cards, utilize grievance redressal mechanisms for complaints, and be aware of their entitlements.
Government of India (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution):
* Impact: Responsible for providing the framework, funding, and technological support for PDS digitalization.
* Action Required: Continue to support States/UTs in upgrading their PDS infrastructure and monitor the effectiveness of the implemented systems.
Key Entities Referenced
Public Distribution System (PDS): A government-run system for distributing subsidized food and other essential items to the poor.
Maharashtra: A state in India where the PDS strengthening is being discussed.
Fair Price Shops (FPSs): Retail outlets authorized to distribute essential commodities under the PDS.
Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identity number issued to all Indian residents, used for authentication in PDS transactions.
ePoS (electronic Point of Sale) devices: Electronic devices used at Fair Price Shops for biometric authentication and recording of transactions.
NFSA (National Food Security Act): A law that aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large section of the Indian population.
Integrated Aadhaar enabled Supply Chain Management (IAeSCM): A system for managing the supply chain of food grains using Aadhaar authentication.
Mera Ration mobile app: A mobile application for citizens to lodge grievances related to PDS.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMERAFFAIRS. FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 246
TO BE, ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST.2O25
STRENGTHENING OF PDS IN MAHARASHTRA
*246.
PROF. VARSHA EKNATH GAIKWAD:
SMT. SUPRIYA SULE:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS. FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:
(a):
the extent ol digitalization and automation undertaken to modemize and strengthen
the delivery mechanisms under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Maharashtra;
(b): whether all Fair Price Shops (FPSs) in Maharashtra have been equipped with
electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices and if so, the district-u'ise status ol ePoS-enabled
shops;
(c): the percentage of ration cardholders in Maharashtra presently covered under
Aadhaar- authenticated PDS transactions and the steps taken by the Government to address
exclusion issues in remote or tribal areas of the State;
(d): rvhether online tracking systems have been implemented in Maharashtra for the
real-time monitoring of foodgrains allocation, movement and delivery at the FPS level and
if so, the outcomes thereof;
(e): whether the Government has established Grievance Redressal Portals or Mobile
Apps for PDS consumers in Maharashtra and if so, the number of complaints received and
resolved through these systems; and
(0:
the steps taken by the Govemment to ensure end-to-end transparency and prevent
diversion or pilferage of foodgrains?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS. FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND
MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(0:
(a) to A statement is laid on the Table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (f) OF THE STARRED
QUESTION NO. *246 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 06.08.2025 IN THE LOK SABHA
REGARDING.
(a):
The PDS operations in the State ol Maharashtra are fully digitized under the end-to-end
computerization effort by the Govemment of India in PDS. Currently, NIC has developed a
Common Application System to digitally manage PDS operations, which includes key features
such as digital RCMS, distribution systems including biometric authentication via AePDS, and
supply chain operations and food allocation systems through Integrated Aadhaar enabled Supply
Chain Management (lAeSCM). Further, under the SMART PDS scheme, the system applications
and infrastructure are being upgraded to overcome State-level technological limitations and
institutionalize a uniform system architecture and central system covering all PDS-related
operations.
(b): Yes. e-PoS devices have been installed at 52,848 Fair Price Shops across the state of
Maharashtra. The district-wise report is at Annexure.
(c): Currently in the State, nearly 100% Ration cards have been seeded with Aadhar and
97.84% of distribution of food grains under the NFSA scheme is through Aadhaar authentication.
Foodgrains are being distributed using offline modes in ePOS devices where network issues are
present in remote tribal areas.
Further, all StatesfuTs have been advised that no genuine beneficiary/ household shall be
denied from receiving entitled quota of subsidized foodgrains due to failure of biometric/ Aadhaar
authentication due to network/ connectivity/ linking related issues, other technical reasons or poor
biometrics of the benefi ciary.
(d): Yes, online tracking system is partially implemented. Food grain allocation is currently
being generated in real-time. However, the mechanism for real-time monitoring is still under
development. To support this, IAeSCM application which is part of overall SMART PDS system
being enabled in the State which allows monitoring of food grain movement and delivery at Fair
Price Shops (FPS) in real time
(e):
Yes, an online grievance redressal portal www.rcms.mahafood.gov has been developed for
PDS beneficiaries in Maharashtra to register complaints. Further, the Govemment of India has
introduced other initiatives for citizens to lodge grievances, such as the Mera Ration mobile app,
the NFSA portal, and Anna Sahayata (WhatsApp and IVRS). Beneficiaries can also submit their
complaints through the CPGRAMS portal.During the period from April 2022 to July 2025. a total
of 34,793 complaints were received, out olwhich 30,305 have been resolved. Action is currently
underway on the remaining 4,488 complaints.
(f): As part of the technology driven Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) reforms,
with the aim to improve the transparency and accountability in the TPDS, ration
cards/beneficiaries database have been completely digitized (100%) in all States/UTs. The
transparency portal and online grievance redressal lacility/Toll-free number have been
irnplemented in all States/UTs. Also, online allocation has been implemented in all States/UTs
and supply chain has been computerized in 31 States/UTs (except UTs of Chandigarh,
Puducheny and Urban area of Dadra & Nagar Haveli which have adopted DBT Cash Transfer
scheme). Further,99.7%o ration cards are Aadhaar seeded in the country. For better tracking of
foodgrains distribution, nearly 5.41 Lakh (99.6%) out of total 5.43 Lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs)in the country have been automated by installing ePoS devices for the distribution of foodgrains
in a transparent manner (electronically) through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication of
beneficiaries.
Helpline number 1967/1800-State series number is operational in all the States/ UTs for
contacting and redressal ol the complaints in Public Distribution System and filing any type of
complaints by the intended beneficiaries. As and when complaints, including diversion or
pilferage of NFSA foodgrains, are received in this Department liom any source, they are sent to
State/ UT Governments concemed for inquiry and appropriate action.Annexure
District-wise FPS details of Maharashtra
sl.
District Active FPS rvith e-PoS Devices
No
I Ahmadnagar I 88-1
1 Akola 106 I
3 Amravati l9 t6
4 A Region Parel 554
5 Becd 1917
6 Bhandara 890
7 B u ldana 1536
8 C hand ra pu r 1544
9 Chhatrapati Sambhaiinagar 1818
l0 Dharash iv t078
ll
Dhule 981
t2 D Region Andheri 528
l3 E Region Wadala l0t8
t4 F Region Thane 145 8
l5 Gadchiroli I 196
t6 Gondia 998
\1 G Re.eion Kandivali 665
t8 Hingoli 197
l9 Jalgaon 1990
20 Jalna 1280
2t Kolhapur 1688
22 Latur l35l
.J Nagpur DSO l3l3
24 Nagpur Fdo 683
25 Nanded 2000
26 Nandurbar r 083
27 Nashik 2608
28 Palghar 1084
29 Parbhani I 182
30 Pune Dso 1859
31 Pune FDO 690
32 Rai-gad 1,r50
JJ Ratnagiri 952
34 Sangli 1370
35 Satara 17 t6
36 Sindhudurg 461
31 Solapur DSO t557
38 Solapur FDO 314
39 Thane 608
40 Wardha 885
4t Washirr 775
42 Yavatmal 2014
Total 52 848