New Era for Subsidised Food as Automated Ration Units Expand in India

The government is rolling out a new scheme across India, including Tamil Nadu, to distribute ration items through ATMs. This will give people the exact amount of grains and cut down their waiting time at ration shops.

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The 'Annapurti' scheme to dispense food grains via ATM

The Indian government launched the 'Annapurti' grain ATM to make the Public Distribution System (PDS) transparent and hassle-free. The World Food Programme and India's food security department developed this tech together. It aims to solve common problems like long queues, shop closures, incorrect weights, and poor quality grains.

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How the machine works

This grain ATM works just like a bank ATM. First, you enter your Ration Card or Aadhaar number. Then, you verify your identity using your fingerprint or an iris scan to stop fraud. The screen shows your monthly quota, and you select how much you need. Finally, you place a bag below, and the machine dispenses the exact amount of grains in seconds.

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Key features and benefits

This machine is super efficient. It can dispense 25 to 50 kg of grain per minute, so no more waiting in long lines. The weight is 99.9% accurate, so you get exactly what you're owed. Plus, it works 24/7, which is great for people who work during the day. It's also eco-friendly, using very little electricity and can even run on solar power.

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Implementation of the scheme in India

India's first grain ATM was launched as a pilot project in Gurugram, Haryana. After its success, states like Odisha, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka have also started using it. In Tamil Nadu, all ration shops already use a biometric system. The state's food department is now studying how to roll out these grain ATMs. If it happens, people can get their ration quickly and accurately.