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About Grain ATMs
- A grain ATM or Annapurti (meaning “provider of grain”) is an automated machine that dispenses food grains (wheat and/or rice).
- Developed by: World Food Programme (WFP) has developed the technology and has worked in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India and various state governments.
- Aim: To enhance food security in the state by ensuring that PDS beneficiaries can access their rations at any time, reducing the need for long waits and manual distribution issues.
- Features:
- It can release 50 kg of grain in five minutes.
- It can work 24×7 like ATMs.
- It is designed to consume only 0.6 watts per hour and can be powered through solar energy.
- It also requires internet connectivity to access the PDS database and the individual profile of a Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholder.
- Working of the Grain ATM:
- Once a PDS beneficiary swipes their beneficiary or grain ATM card on a PoS machine, linked to the ration card or to their Aadhar card.
- The beneficiary is asked to select the grain option and its quantity.
- They must also undergo Aadhar-based biometric authentication.
- The maximum limit of grain disbursement is also specified.
- Once the grain is dispensed, the beneficiary’s PDS data is updated, and a slip is also issued for confirmation and as a physical record.
