Odisha marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of Bharat’s first rice ATM by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra in State capital Bhubaneswar.
Located at a warehouse in Mancheswar, this innovative machine is set to transform the Public Distribution System or PDS by simplifying the process of rice distribution. The rice ATM allows ration cardholders to withdraw up to 25 kg of rice through a streamlined process: users input their ration card number on a touchscreen display and authenticate their identity via biometric verification.
The introduction of this system aims to address common issues at traditional distribution points, such as long waiting times, theft, and black-marketing of subsidised rice. “We tested the rice ATM with beneficiaries, and it is now operational on a pilot basis. The primary goal is to ensure that rice is distributed accurately and fairly, preventing any potential fraud,” stated Patra.
Initially launched in Bhubaneswar, the rice ATM will be rolled out across all 30 districts of Odisha. Should the pilot prove successful, this model could be adopted by other States under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, enabling seamless ration access across the country.
