New Delhi: Delhi govt has finalised a tech-driven overhaul of its public distribution system (PDS) to curb pilferage and ensure transparency in ration distribution.The system will send WhatsApp/SMS alerts to beneficiaries, will have geo-fenced e-PoS machines, iris authentication and advanced weighing systems. A command centre will monitor all the transactions in real time across nearly 2,000 fair price shops (FPS).Govt has already started the process of onboarding the system integrator for supplying, installing and maintaining the new e-PoS devices. The overhaul will help govt in tackling ghost beneficiaries, improve authentication and ensure accurate distribution of subsidised foodgrains to more than 72 lakh registered users.The e-PoS devices will be fitted with dual-functional SIM cards to prevent network failures and an in-built fingerprint scanner. In areas with poor connectivity, dealers will get external antennas to maintain stable links with a central server.“The iris scanners will work as an alternative authentication measure when fingerprint matching fails due to age, manual labour or medical conditions. Once installed, the device will stop functioning if moved 50 metres from the FPS premises because of the built-in geographical fencing mechanism,” the official said. Delhi has 72,77,952 beneficiaries linked to 17.5 lakh ration cards. Under the National Food Security Act, beneficiaries get monthly rations through 2,018 fair price shops across the city. For priority households, each beneficiary is entitled to 5kg of foodgrains per month, which is usually 4kg of wheat and 1kg of rice.For the poorest families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, the monthly quota is higher. Each household gets 25kg wheat, 10kg rice and 1kg sugar. Delhi has 66,005 AAY cardholders and 17,12,367 priority household cardholders.A central helpdesk will run round the clock to resolve complaints.
