Report Smuggling of PDS commodities

Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection department has been taking all steps to curb the problem of smuggling of PDS commodities. Enforcement work is very daunting and the following two agencies have been involved in various anti-smuggling activities:

  • Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection department

  • Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department

  • CSCID district units

  • Informants, Cardholders and General Public

  • It is the duty of all cardholders and citizens to prevent smuggling of PDS commodities. Hence, they may inform incidents or possibility of smuggling to the mobile phone of the concerned jurisdiction officers.

  • Informants are eligible to collect a reward of Rs 500 for each event of smuggling reported and ending in seizure. District Supply and Consumer Protection officers and Deputy Commissioners are competent to sanction reward amounts. Confidentiality of informants are to be strictly maintained by these officers to ensure safety.

Steps taken by State Government to curb leakages and diversion

  • Continuous campaign is undertaken for review of Family Cards / AAY lists to eliminate ghost ration cards.

  • Stern action is taken against persons guilty of smuggling by arresting them under Essential Commodities Act 1955 and detaining the more notorious ones for six months under Prevention of Black marketing and Maintenance of Essential Supplies Act 1980 to ensure leakages free distribution of food grains.

  • Anthyodaya Anna Yojana lists are available and displayed in all Fair Price Shops.

  • Door step delivery of food grains to Fair Price Shops is ensured.

  • Timely availability of food grains every month at Fair Price Shops and their distribution to family card holders are ensured.

  • Banners/ boards " PDS Commodities" on windshield as well as the rear end of the trucks/vehicles carrying PDS articles

  • Track movement of food grains from FCI godowns upto TNCSC godowns through SMS and GPS.

  • Stern disciplinary and criminal action against Fair Price Shop Salesmen guilty of serious malpractices.