Prodded by the Centre, several states have taken initiatives to computerise system and adopt best practises of management to streamline distribution of subsidised food items through ration shops.

Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs has given top priority to public distribution system (PDS) reforms which include improvement of infrastructure for distribution and storage of PDS food grains, an official statement said.

Accordingly, states have taken several initiatives to strengthen the PDS system. Giving details, the Ministry statement said Andhra Pradesh has completed digitisation of ration card database of all the beneficiaries.

Besides aadhaar (Unique Identity Card) enrolment in seven districts currently in progress, the state civil supplies department has decided to implement smart card based solution in all fair price shops (FPSs) covering entire Andhra Pradesh State in a phased manner.

Meanwhile Chhattisgarh has introduced a new bar-coded ration cards. The maintenance of the ration cards database there is done through a web based module.

In Gujarat, a comprehensive application form has been prescribed for issuance of bar coded ration Card in lieu of existing rations cards. Photograph & biometric details of at least one family member of the card holder at the time of issuance of bar coded ration cards is being carried out initially.

In Himachal Pradesh, issuance of smart card on biometric basis will be taken up as pilot project in Mashobra and Shimla districts as soon as Aadhaar numbers are issued. Enrolment work under Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in the state is likely to be completed by end of year 2011.

In Karnataka, the data of all families falling within the PDS have been computerised. In addition to the particulars like name, gender, income and photographs of the beneficiaries, the fingerprint bio-metrics of all the beneficiary families have been captured.

In Maharashtra, the state is planning to undertake pilot project of ePDS in Satara district, which involves linkages with UIDAI and end to end solution of PDS from allocation to distribution of food grains to beneficiaries.

Aadhaar has already begun there, with as many as 14 lakh enrolments having been done in the State. In West Bengal, computer & allied accessories were provided to all District Officers (DCF&S), Regional Offices (R.O.s & DDR), Sub-Divisional Offices (SCF&S) and block. Smaller states and union territories like Meghalaya and Puducherry too have taken effective steps.