Patna: The Bihar government has directed officials to expedite the issuance of 10 million new ration cards as part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s food security system and improve the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The directive was issued during a review meeting of the Food and Consumer Protection Department chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and attended by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi in Patna on Wednesday.
Target To Expand Ration Card Coverage
According to the state government, officials have been asked to accelerate the process of issuing new ration cards and prepare a comprehensive, updated database of beneficiaries.
The government said the exercise aims to ensure that all eligible households receive the benefits of food security schemes in a timely and transparent manner.
Focus On Monitoring The Public Distribution System
During the meeting, Choudhary directed officials to strengthen oversight of the ration distribution system to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive food grains without disruption.
He also called for greater transparency and accountability in the distribution process to minimise operational issues and improve service delivery.
Push For Modern Food Storage Infrastructure
The review also focused on modernising food grain storage facilities across the state.
Officials were instructed to prioritise improvements in warehouse quality, storage capacity, security and maintenance. The government also stressed the need to ensure electricity and other essential infrastructure at food grain warehouses to support safe storage.
Technology To Play A Larger Role
The meeting reviewed the performance of Bihar’s online Public Distribution System, with officials highlighting its contribution to improving transparency in ration distribution.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the department to expand the use of digital technologies to improve beneficiary identification and facilitate faster delivery of services.
Centre And State Review Food Security Measures
Choudhary said the department should work closely with the Centre to implement recommendations aimed at improving food security programmes in the state.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, Food and Consumer Protection Minister Ashok Choudhary, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and senior officials from the Central and Bihar governments.
