SRINAGAR, OCT 12: The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department in Jammu and Kashmir is poised to introduce smart ration cards for more than 25 lakh consumers in the region through the SMART-PDS (Public Distribution System), aligning with the Union Territory administration’s digital governance initiative.
According to an FCS&CA official, the key aim behind this move is to minimize human involvement in the existing processes and foster automation. Additionally, the introduction of smart ration cards will serve as a safeguard against food grain theft and enhance the efficiency of the distribution network.
Under the SMART-PDS, smart ration cards will be issued to beneficiaries of the public distribution system, allowing them to obtain ration from fair-price shops by presenting the smart ration card. These cards record all transactions and include the beneficiary’s fingerprint template.
The primary objectives of this initiative encompass combating food grain pilferage, streamlining the distribution network, and ensuring access to essential provisions for migrant populations, as stated by the official.
Furthermore, the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department in J&K has issued directives and circulars to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries holding AAY, PHH, and BPL ration cards over the past two years.
In a bid to enhance transparency, the administration has converted 6413 out of 6735 Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices to online status. For locations with unreliable internet access, 322 PoS devices have been switched to offline mode.
This technologically advanced approach has expedited the distribution process, minimized the potential for fraud, and enabled real-time monitoring. Over 94 percent of PDS transactions are now conducted online, necessitating Aadhaar authentication for recipients to access benefits.
This authentication method not only reduces the need for human interaction but also provides beneficiaries with greater control and convenience. Additionally, it simplifies tracking the movement of food grains, resulting in effective stock management, according to the official.
