<br/>The conference of food secretaries for streamlining Public Distribution System, PDS, will be formally inaugurated by the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Sharad Pawar in New Delhi today. A Pilot Scheme on Smart Card-based delivery of essential commodities will be launched. The scheme will be initially operational in the States of Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.<br/> Earlier, recommendations for streamlining Public Distribution System were finalized on Monday. Working groups held separate discussions on various issues to make use of the best practices in PDS and achieve their universal adoption. Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahulwalia , Chairman UID, Nandan Neilkani and the Chiarman PM's Economic Advisory Council, Dr. C Rangarajan addressed the conference. AIR correspondent reports that the discussions also showcased reform initiatives undertaken by various states to ensure transparency in the system. The conference assumes significance as the government is working relentlessly to ensure food security across the country.