Digital Initiatives to Transform Public Distribution System

Prelims: Public policy| Government Initiatives | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in news?

Recently, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched digital platforms to reform India’s PDS system.

Three Key Digital Platforms launched to take the government’s welfare schemes to all citizens.
These platforms reflect the vision of a Viksit Bharat with measurable improvements in infrastructure and service quality.
The initiatives cover over 81 crore beneficiaries under National Food Security Act.
They complement to One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) and fortified rice distribution.
It aligns with Digital India and Good Governance goal.

Depot Darpan Portal

It is a self-assessment and monitoring platform for foodgrain depots.
Purpose – To boost transparency, efficiency, and accountability in depot operations.
It assigns Composite Ratings (5-star system) to depots based on infrastructure and performance.
Key Feature – Grading system is based on 60:40 ratio: Operational (60%) + Infrastructure (40%)
It monitors storage/transit loss, manpower productivity and optimized space use.
Integration of advanced tech - IoT sensors for real-time environmental and inventory monitoring.
CCTV & live analytics for decision-making
Pilot smart warehouses rolling out nationwide by end of 2025.

Anna Mitra App

It is a mobile app for frontline PDS stakeholders like Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, food inspectors, and district officers.
It will provoide details about stock updates, monthly sales, official alerts.
It also monitors FPS performance, grievances, beneficiary data.
It rolled on pilot basis in Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Punjab
It is available in Hindi, and English languages.

Anna Sahayata Platform

It is an AI-enabled grievance redressal system for PMGKAY beneficiaries.
Purpose - To make grievance resolution easy, accessible, and real-time for all beneficiaries.
It is currently available in,
- WhatsApp
- IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System)
- Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)
It is rolled on pilot basis in Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh.
It is available in Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Bangla, English languages.

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