DFPD, GoI submits public distribution assessment report to Union Minister

140 officers covered 112 Aspirational Districts during assessment

The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, presented a comprehensive nationwide field-level assessment report of the Public Distribution operations conducted in 112 aspirational districts to Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi.

The observations and findings during the visit were presented in a detailed report with key recommendations to enhance Public Distribution operations, including Procurement, Storage, Distribution (FPS Operations), and Grievance Redressal in Aspirational Districts as well as across the country.

The Department conducted visits to Aspirational Districts in June and July 2025. Over 140 senior officers from DFPD and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) participated in the assessment. The review covered 277 Fair Price Shops (FPS), interactions with 458 PMGKAY beneficiaries, 108 depots, 113 procurement centres, and feedback from 164 grievance petitioners. It was supplemented by discussions with district administrations, state nodal officers, and FCI/CWC officials on systemic improvements.

Following the assessment, the Department will work on improving the service delivery from Fair Price Shops to beneficiaries. DFPD will also launch a comprehensive national awareness campaign in local languages to educate beneficiaries about the PDS entitlements, ONORC, rice fortification, and grievance redressal.

For grievance redressal, DFPD will work in coordination with State governments to facilitate grievance redressal in a time-bound manner through digital interventions. Feedback from beneficiaries will be collected through AI-based platforms and shared with the respective State Food Commissions and States for necessary action.

DFPD will collaborate with state governments to improve the infrastructure and storage facilities at these centres. DFPD is promoting SMART warehouses with AI technology integration for improved maintenance and storage.

Prof Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog along with Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, DFPD and Senior Officers from DFPD, FCI, CWC and NITI Aayog were also present during the event.

These measures aim to address the identified gaps in last-mile delivery, promote efficiency and transparency, and create a more inclusive and responsive food security system in the Aspirational Districts as well as throughout the country. DFPD remains committed to building a future-ready, technology-enabled Public Distribution operations to ensure food and nutrition security for all, particularly in the most challenging regions of India.