Privacy Policy

The Public Distribution System (PDS) in Jharkhand is a government-operated initiative aimed at providing subsidized food grains and essential commodities to eligible beneficiaries. While specific details of Jharkhand’s PDS privacy policy may not be publicly available in granular form, here’s a general overview of how such policies typically function, based on standard government data practices and legal frameworks:

Key Elements of PDS Jharkhand Privacy Policy

  1. Data Collection
    • Personal information collected may include:
      • Aadhaar numbers (for biometric authentication).
      • Family details (names, ages, ration card numbers).
      • Socio-economic data (income, caste, occupation).
      • Contact information (address, mobile number).
  2. Purpose of Data Use
    • To identify and verify beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
    • To distribute subsidized food grains (e.g., rice, wheat) through Fair Price Shops (FPS).
    • To prevent duplication/fraud in the system (e.g., via Aadhaar seeding).
  3. Data Storage & Security
    • Data is stored in secure government databases (e.g., integrated with the Annavitran Portal or Aadhaar-enabled PDS).
    • Security measures may include encryption, access controls, and regular audits.
  4. Data Sharing
    • Limited sharing with authorized entities:
      • State Food Department.
      • Fair Price Shop dealers (for verification).
      • Central government agencies (e.g., Food Corporation of India).
      • Banking institutions (for Direct Benefit Transfers, if applicable).
  5. User Rights
    • Beneficiaries can request corrections to their data (e.g., updating ration card details).
    • Transparency in how data is used (e.g., public grievance redressal mechanisms).
  6. Legal Compliance
    • Governed by:
      • National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
      • Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 (data protection provisions).
      • Aadhaar Act, 2016 (for biometric authentication).

How to Access the Official Privacy Policy

  1. Visit the Jharkhand State Food Portal (https://jharkhand.gov.in/food) or the Department of Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Jharkhand.
  2. Check for a “Privacy Policy” or “Data Protection” section on the portal.
  3. Contact district-level PDS offices or call the helpline (if available) for physical copies.

Important Notes

  • Aadhaar Linking: Mandatory for availing subsidies in many states (ensure consent is obtained as per Supreme Court guidelines).
  • Grievance Redressal: Complaints about data misuse can be filed via the Jharkhand Sarkar portal or the **Centralized Public Grievance Redress