New Delhi, November 26, 2012: Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and the State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations wherein States and UTs are responsible for licensing, regulation and monitoring of functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPSs).
Some of the key criteria prescribed in the guidelines laid down by the Central Government for opening of new FPSs relating to the geographical distribution, coverage of rural areas, is where the new FPSs may be opened wherever necessary to provide easy physical access to consumers. States and UTs are required to identify district-wide gaps and set targets to fill up the same.
A norm of one FPS for every 2000 persons has been suggested to the States and Union Territories. However, there may be exceptions in view of the population density, terrain of the area, etc. Nevertheless, it needs to be ensured that no consumer and card-holder has to travel more than 3 Kms. to reach the FPS.
In areas which cannot be covered by static FPSs, mobile vans may be introduced to cover the consumers residing in hilly, remote, far-flung, desert, tribal and inaccessible areas. In some rural areas, particularly in Tribal Areas, sale centers may be opened at weekly Hats to provide essential commodities at a fix price.
This information was given by the Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Prof. K.V.Thomas in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.(SP News)
