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Context: The Union Food Minister addressed the 60th foundation day of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), emphasizing that the FCI's role goes beyond delivering ration.
Key Highlights of the Speech
Food Corporation of India (FCI)
Function of FCI
Significances of FCI
Steps Taken to Improve Food Security ●Implementing an online procurement system to ensure transparency and accountability in procurement operations. ●Introducing a direct payment system to ensure timely and hassle-free payment to farmers through electronic mode. ●Adopting modern storage techniques such as silos, metal bins, and pallets to reduce storage losses and improve storage quality. ●Strengthening quality control mechanisms by deploying more quality personnel and equipment and conducting regular inspections and audits. ●Streamlining movement and transportation of food grains by using railways, roadways, waterways, and ropeways as per the availability and suitability. ●Digitizing distribution systems by implementing end-to-end computerization of PDS and linking it with Aadhaar and biometric authentication. ●Rationalizing allocation of food grains to states based on their actual requirement and utilization. ●Reforming PDS by introducing targeted PDS, priority PDS, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, etc. to focus on the poorest of the poor. ●Enacting National Food Security Act, 2013 to provide legal entitlement to subsidized food grains to about 67% of the population. |
Challenges Faced by FCI
Way Forward
Conclusion
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the primary role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the country's food security and agricultural support system, and how does it contribute to the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains? |
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