The Indian government’s digitisation drive has transformed the Public Distribution System (PDS), serving 80.6 crore beneficiaries. The Union Food Ministry announced on Wednesday that this overhaul has removed 5.8 crore fake ration cards using Aadhaar-based authentication and electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification.
“These efforts have significantly reduced leakages and improved targeting,” the ministry said.
Nearly all 20.4 crore ration cards are now digitised. Around 99.8% of cards are linked to Aadhaar, while 98.7% of beneficiaries’ credentials are verified through biometric authentication.
Aadhaar-Based Authentication Ensures Transparency
The ministry has deployed 5.33 lakh e-Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices in fair price shops nationwide. These devices enable Aadhaar-based authentication during distribution, ensuring food grains reach rightful beneficiaries.
About 98% of foodgrain distribution now uses Aadhaar authentication. The system has reduced leakages and mitigated pilferage risks. So far, eKYC verification has validated 64% of beneficiaries, with the process ongoing at fair price shops nationwide.
Tech-Driven Supply Chain Innovations
On the supply side, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) uses end-to-end supply chain management systems. Vehicle tracking integrated with railways provides real-time monitoring of food shipments.
The ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme allows beneficiaries to access rations anywhere in India using their Aadhaar-linked cards.
Through digitisation, Aadhaar-based authentication in PDS, and supply chain innovations, India has set a global benchmark for food security programs. The government’s initiatives ensure targeted delivery to genuine beneficiaries while eliminating ghost entries from the system.
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