Reforms in the Public Distribution System are the focus of discussions in the two-day conference of State Food Secretaries which began in New Delhi this morning. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Sharad Pawar will address the conference on Tuesday. The objective of the conclave is to share the best practices in public distribution system and achieve their universal adoption. A Pilot Scheme on Smart Card-based delivery of essential commodities will be launched on the second day tomorrow. The scheme will be initially operational in the States of Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.<br/><br/>The first day of the conference is preparatory in nature where the States will show case reform initiatives undertaken to ensure transparency in the system. The deliberations on the second day will prepare recommendations to streamline and strengthen the PDS. AIR correspondent reports the conference assumes amplified significance as the government is working relentlessly to ensure food security across the country.