Pralhad Joshi Launches 3 Key Digital Tools to Reform PDS

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, introduced three digital services - Depot Darpan Portal, Anna Mitra mobile app, and Anna Sahayata grievance platform - to boost India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). They plan to increase transparency, efficiency in operations, and power for beneficiaries among the over 81 crore individuals served by PDS. Depot Darpan helps farmers monitor food grain depots through technology, while Anna Mitra handles daily field operations, and Anna Sahayata looks after grievance settlement. These launches are an important phase toward achieving digital governance in line with the National Food Security Act.

Context

• Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi introduced three digital initiatives called the Depot Darpan Portal, Anna Mitra mobile app, and Anna Sahayata grievance platform, all to help upgrade India’s PDS.

• These schemes were launched by the government to improve how the Public Distribution System works and ensure everything remains clear and efficient. 

Key Points 

Depot Darpan Portal

• The tool is meant for food depots under the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).

• Employs IoT sensors, uses CCTV to observe, and examines current information for better control and safety of the environment.

• Awards Composite Ratings that depend on infrastructure and operations to help companies work towards improvement at all times.

• Efficient operations and better space use are expected to help FCI save ₹275 crore and CWC save ₹140 crore.

• It is planned to spend a total of ₹280 crore on the CWC for its infrastructure, and a further ₹1000 crore will be spent on the FCI.

Anna Mitra Mobile App

• Allows FPS dealers, DFSO staff, and food inspectors to access data on their daily activities as they happen.

• You can watch stock receipts, generate sales reports, follow up on grievances, check geo-tagged inspections, and view FPS ratings.

• At present, users in Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab can experience the service in both Hindi and English.

Anna Sahayata Grievance Platform.

• The scheme launched to help 81 crore recipients of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has an improved method for handling grievances.

• You can use WhatsApp, IVRS, or ASR to complain easily and have your issue resolved quickly.

• The pilot covers Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh and is accessible in five languages.

The government’s aim

• The government supports welfare programs until they reach everyone who needs them.

• Enhances transparency, accountability, and efficiency in food security and welfare delivery.

• Facilitates the One Nation One Ration Card system to give beneficiaries easier access to food grains.

• Follows the Digital India mission by bringing technology to government work.

Conclusion:

With the introduction of Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra and Anna Sahayata, we are moving closer to achieving a Public Distribution System where everything happens online and with better visibility. With the help of new technology and data-based systems, the proposals try to boost food availability and send welfare assistance to those in need most clearly and honestly.