J-K government is all set to introduce e-measures in Public Distribution System which includes installation of GPS tracking devices on vehicles carrying food and other supplies so as to check pilferage.

"The state government has decided to introduce information technology in Public Distribution System and launch e-PDS in Jammu and Kashmir", minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution and Transport Qamar Ali Akhoon told PTI.

He said that a process for tie-up with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for successful implementation of E-PDS has already been initiated.

The GPS tracking devices will be installed on vehicles carrying foodgrains to different destinations so that pilferage of foodgrains could be checked, he said.

The reforms pertaining to the Public Distribution System (PDS) are being implemented by the state government to ensure that the foodgrains, after being released from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), reach the Fair Price Shops in the state in time, Akhoon said.

At present, Jammu and Srinagar are covered under "doorstep" delivery system of foodgrains and this shall be extended to the peripheries also, he said.

The minister said that the state government was mulling using services of Panchayati Raj institutions as well as that of co-operative societies in monitoring PDS system.

Monitoring distribution of foodgrains by the Fair Price Shops is being done by the Vigilance Committee and a web-based grievance redressal mechanism is also in place for the purpose, Akhoon said.

He said that Grievances Redressal Cells have also been set up in the offices of the directors of CAPD.