Grain ATM 

Why in News?

Recently, Bihar has approved the installation of grain ATMs on a pilot basis in Patna to improve transparency and efficiency in the Public Distribution System.

• Grain ATM is an automated machine that dispenses food grains such as wheat and rice. Works like a bank ATM for ration distribution.
• It is also known as Annapurti, i.e., the provider of grain.
• This is a Central government project.
• Objective - To improve transparency, reduce time spent queuing at ration shops and curb leakages and corruption in the distribution system.
• Developed by – The World Food Programme in collaboration with Food Corporation of India and various state governments.
• Implemented by –Centre and states, with shared responsibility for maintenance and security.
• In Bihar, the Food and Consumer Protection Department is the nodal implementing agency.
• Dispersion – Can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain within a few minutes.
• Coverage – Currently limited to urban areas, with plans to expand to Panchayat levels.
• At least 6 states, including Odisha, have been using the machines on a pilot basis.
• Key Features – Availability – Operates round the clock 24/7 like banking ATMs.
• Sustainability – Can function using solar energy.
• Connectivity – Requires internet connectivity to access Public Distribution System data.
• Efficiency – Reduces waiting time and addresses inefficiencies in manual ration distribution.
• Mechanism – Beneficiary swipes the ration or grain ATM card with Aadhaar linkage.
• Grain type and quantity are selected on the machine.
• After the Grain is dispensed, the Public Distribution System records are updated.
• At the end, a confirmation slip is issued to beneficiaries as a physical record.
• Significance - According to the World Food Programme, grain ATMs can reduce waiting time by about 70%.

Reference

IE | Grain ATM