Recently, a pilot project was introduced by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, to convert 60 Fair Price Shops (FPS) into Jan Poshan Kendras. To enhance quality and transparency in the food distribution system, a number of digital applications and manuals were also released simultaneously with this important change.
Transformation of Fair Price Shops into Jan Poshan Kendras
60 Fair Price Shops in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are to be converted into Jan Poshan Kendras as part of the pilot program. These distribution centers will provide a large selection of nutrient-dense foods, satisfying customers’ need for better choices and giving Fair Price Shop sellers a chance to make more money. Jan Poshan Kendras has decided to assign half of its storage space to products that are nutrition-focused, and the other half to other necessary home supplies. As a component of the Central Government’s first 100-day program, this project helps to achieve “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Digital and Quality Control Initiatives
In addition to the FPS change, Shri Joshi introduced a number of digital tools and quality control protocols.
- The FPS Sahay Application is an Invoice Based Financing (IBF) program created by SIDBI that provides FPS dealers with paperless, collateral-free financing.
- Mera Ration App 2.0, An improved mobile application designed to give recipients quick access to Public Distribution System (PDS) and ration card information.
- The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) have integrated their Quality Control laboratories via the use of a digital application called the Quality Management System (QMS). Throughout the food grain procurement, storage, and distribution processes, this technology guarantees real-time monitoring and adherence to severe quality criteria.
- Contract Manual and Quality Manual Handbook FCI, The Handbook of the Quality Manual offers complete the Contract Manual attempts to improve transparency and competition in FCI contracts, while the protocols and criteria for maintaining the quality of central pool food grains.
- Three laboratories have been certified by the NABL, which guarantees compliance to global standards and increases trust in testing and calibration services.
Minister’s Remarks on Food Security and Digitalization
Shri Joshi highlighted that by ensuring the provision of high-quality food, these measures will improve transparency, strengthen the ecosystem supporting food security, and fight hunger. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been expanded for a another five years, with an estimated financial expenditure of Rs 12 lakh crore. This shows the government’s commitment to increasing food security throughout the country. The Minister emphasized the significance of digitization initiatives once more, pointing out that the recently released systems and applications would enhance beneficiary user-centric services even more. She also invited interested parties to submit creative suggestions for enhancing the Public Distribution System.
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