Centre has decided to permit States for lifting and distributing six months quota of food grains in one go under the Targeted Public Distribution System -TPDS. A decision to this effect was taken in view of the existing stock position of food grains in the Central Pool.

According to an official release, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister K.V Thomas has written to the Chief Ministers of States and requested them to avail the facility of advance lifting of food grains and its onward distribution to the TPDS beneficiaries to the maximum extent.

The release said, this will not only ease the problem of additional storage in view of increased procurement but also ensure uninterrupted supply of ration to the beneficiaries. Prof. Thomas has also requested the States to ensure lifting of additional allocation of 60 lakh tons for Above Poverty Line (APL) and 15.40 lakh tons for poorest districts in 12 States made during the current year under TPDS.