THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the implementation of "One Nation One Ration Card" (ONORC)(Smart PDS), the central government will monitor school lunch and grain distribution to Anganwadis and government destitute houses.

At present, How much grain has been used for which projects, is being reported to the centre by the states. The allowance is allocated through FCI accordingly. The centre will directly account for the SMART scheme. FCI will be responsible for surveillance. Centre's portal will also come up for the distribution of rations in all states and Union Territories. The National Informatics Center (NIC) is responsible for the technology.

In a note to the states, the Center has specified that the scheme (Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System) will be implemented in such a way that food distribution to the departments of public food distribution, women and child development and education will be centrally checked. Kerala has prepared for the project by linking Aadhaar and ration card and has also informed the centre of opposition to the reduction in ration allocation. This was reported by Kerala Kaumudi.

Dispute continues

Arguments between state and central ministers regarding central allocation for school midday meals have been controversial. With the advent of smart PDS, the centre can monitor the complete details of distribution and beneficiaries.