| Introduction: Contextual introduction. Body: Explain significance of SMART PDS scheme. Conclusion: Write a way forward. |
It is a system where smart ration cards are issued to beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and ration is given through fair price shops on the production of the smart ration card by any member of the beneficiary family. The National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), governs the country’s largest beneficiary-centric programme.
Significance of SMART PDS scheme:
- The fingerprint template of the beneficiary is recorded in these smart ration cards, which record all transactions.
- The lack of credible and dynamic data on consumption and mobility patterns was always a big challenge for planners. This scheme will go a long way in addressing this deficit.
- It was felt that the data generated can be leveraged for the delivery of many other central schemes and welfare programmes like e-Shram Portal, Ayushman Bharat, and PM-SVANidhi Yojana.
- Convergence and integration with the use of AI can really be a game changer for people as well as governments in bringing accountability across all programmes.
- There will be a standardisation of the PDS operation through the use of technology and integrating the same with FCI, CWC, transport supply chain of rail and road, Ministry of Education, Women and Child Development and UIDAI.
- Technology-led reforms are expected to overcome the state-level technological limitations of PDS operations concerning IT hardware, software and technical manpower.
- This will also institutionalise an integrated central system for all PDS-related operations across all states/UTs.
- The initiative focuses on streamlining the supply chain from procurement to distribution by incorporating technology-driven solutions, such as electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices, real-time monitoring, and tracking systems.
The transformative potential of SMART-PDS goes beyond food security, enabling data-driven decision-making, convergence, and integration with AI for improved delivery of central schemes and welfare programs across India.
