Context

• This article discusses the benefits of the recently launched SMART PDS scheme which is beyond just ration distribution.

About SMART PDS

• The SMART-PDS is an initiative of the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• This scheme aims to strengthen the PDS technology components by standardization of its operation and implementing data-driven decision-making through data analytics.
• It is a system where smart ration cards are issued to beneficiaries of the public distribution system, and ration is given through fair price shops on the production of the smart ration card by any member of the beneficiary family.
• SMART PDS stands for Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS) and it aims to 
  • Prevent leakage of foodgrains;
  • Increase the efficiency of the distribution chain; 
  • Ensures the availability of such provisions for migrants.

How will SMART PDS benefit us?

• Convergence and integration with the use of Artificial Intelligence can really be a game changer for people as well as governments in bringing accountability across all programmes.
• Data Analytics on the TPDS ecosystem is allowing us to generate critical information about the beneficiaries, their food security needs and patterns of migration.
• Usage of data analytics and other ICT tools and technologies brings standardization of the PDS operation.
• Data can be leveraged for the delivery of many other central schemes and welfare programmes.

• Technology-led reforms are expected to overcome the state-level technological limitations of PDS operations.
• This will also institutionalize an integrated central system for all PDS-related operations across all states/UTs.

Other Digital Initiatives

• Aadhar authentication and ePOS devices:  
  • Nearly 93 per cent of the total monthly allocated foodgrains are distributed through the Aadhaar authentication mode using electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices. 
  • This dividend is directly attributed to the 100 per cent digitisation of ration cards, online management of beneficiaries’ data, computerisation of foodgrains’ allocation and supply chain management systems in all states/UTs, and the installation of ePoS devices in almost the entire country.

• Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS).

• • The government has launched a Central Sector Scheme – Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS). Its main objectives are: 
    • Implementation of One Nation One Ration Card (nation-wide portability), 
    • Creation of a national-level data repository for de-duplication of beneficiary/ration cards data; 
    • Creation of integrated data infrastructure/systems across ration card management; allocation, supply chain of foodgrains and FPS automation among Centre and all states. 

Outcome of these Initiatives

• The One Nation One Ration Card plan is seamlessly functional in all 36 States/UTs and is consistently recording over 3.5 crore monthly portable transactions. 
• The data generated during this process has now become a tool for many other central ministries and state governments.
  • For instance, it serves as a tool for transfer of benefits for the e-Shram Portal, Ayushman Bharat, and PM-Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi) Yojana.