Categories: Business

Digitisation Of PDS Sets Global Benchmark, Eliminates 5.8 Crore Fake Ration Cards: Food Ministry

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.

Also Read: PM Modi To Address Guyana’s Parliament; Honoured With Nation’s Highest Civilian Award

Ajaypal Choudhary

Recent Posts

JP Nadda Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Match-Fixing’ Claims As ‘Desperation Of Losing’ Polls

Rahul Gandhi's opinion piece appeared in a national daily and sparked political uproar. Opposition parties…

6 hours ago

Poverty In India Reduced Via Tangible Boost In Household Living Standards, Incomes

In 2022–23, poverty under the revised $3.00 line stood at just 5.25 per cent in…

7 hours ago

Chhattisgarh: Seven Maoists Killed In Indravati National Park Operation

Five Maoists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district,…

7 hours ago

Carney Invites Modi To G7 Summit, Highlights India’s Global Supply Chain Role

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the most populous country, with the fifth-largest economy, must…

8 hours ago

RBI Frontloads Rate Cuts To Boost Growth Amid Low Inflation: Crisil

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has frontloaded its rate cuts to support economic growth,…

8 hours ago

PM Modi Urges Global Action On Coastal Resilience At Nice Summit

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for urgent global action to build infrastructure that can…

8 hours ago