If you are a ration card holder then this article is for you. The digitization of the Public Distribution System (PDS) is progressing rapidly in Datia. E-KYC for all 1.29 lakh families receiving rations in the district is underway, with 75 percent already completed. The administration is working to finish the e-KYC for the remaining 25 percent within the next 10 days.
Consumer stores are also being integrated into the digital system that facilitates ration distribution. In Datia city, there are 19 consumer stores, while Bhander and Sevdra urban areas have 31. Additionally, 287 PDS shops are operating in rural areas. All 337 of these PDS shops will be linked to the digital system to enhance transparency and ensure smooth distribution.
Ration distribution will now be monitored online, eliminating the need for officials to physically check distribution centers. With the smart PDS system, they can access real-time information about ration arrivals, distribution, and remaining stock from their offices.
Under the Smart PDS Scheme, all 337 PDS shops will be upgraded to a digital format. The central government will cover 60% of the costs, while the state government will contribute the remaining 40%. This initiative aims to make ration distribution more transparent and reduce corruption.
The administration is actively working to implement the Smart PDS scheme effectively. Efforts are focused on achieving 100% e-KYC for cardholders and transitioning shops to a digital format. The primary goal is to enhance the Pradhan Mantri Annadoot Yojana and create a more organized distribution system.
Current Status
1.29 lakh families are receiving ration in the district. 337 consumer stores are working. E-KYC of 75% cardholders completed. 25% e-KYC work remaining.
The Smart PDS system is set to launch on April 1
Here are the benefits of the Smart PDS:
– The issue of not receiving food grain slips will be resolved. Many low-income families currently struggle to access rations due to missing food coupons.
– Over the past four months, I’ve been visiting the Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, and District Panchayats to address this issue.
– Transparency will improve, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their rations on time and reducing opportunities for corruption.
– Food grain waste will be minimized. With a more efficient distribution system, there will be less ration wastage.
– The One Nation, One Ration Card initiative will be supported, allowing people to access rations anywhere in the country.
What is the Smart PDS Scheme?
Under the Smart PDS scheme, citizens will receive smart ration cards.
Beneficiaries will scan their cards at ration shops, where their identities will be verified. They will confirm their identity using a fingerprint scanner, and once verified, their rations will be allocated immediately.
According to District Food and Supply Officer ML Malviya, significant changes are being made to the ration distribution system. The e-KYC process has been expedited, and preparations are in place for the effective rollout of Smart PDS.
The system will be fully operational starting April 1
This initiative will be implemented not just in Datia but also in the district’s towns and rural areas. All necessary arrangements have been made at the administrative level to ensure that those in need can access their rations smoothly.