Delhi ration shops go online, all 2,254 shops get e-pos devices

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has started distribution of ration to beneficiaries through e-point of Sale (e-pos) devices in all 2,254 fair price shops from the New Year, Consumer Affairs Minister Imran Hussain said on Monday.

The Minister said the new system will have a robust mechanism for verification of beneficiaries through Aadhaar authentication, having features to monitor transactions online.

The e-pos devices have also been integrated with electronic weighing machine to ensure correct weight to the beneficiaries.

“After successful completion of the test trial of operation of e-pos during the month of January, the government may consider a complete roll out from February,” said Hussain.

He said considering issues of non-existing card holders, the government had decided in August 2017 to distribute ration online through e-pos devices.

Accordingly, the Food and Civil Supplies department had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2017 with Bharat Electronics Ltd, for supply, installation, commissioning along with application software and maintenance of e-pos devices under Build Own & Operate (BOO) PPP model for distribution of ration to beneficiaries.

“Delhi government is distributing specified food articles to the tune of 3.75 lakh quintals to 72.78 lakh beneficiaries per month under Targeted Public Distribution System as per National Food Security Act 2013,” he added.

Hussain said distribution of food grains through E-POS devices at present is a test run.

Under this system, distribution of eight per cent cardholders of the total cardholders will be allowed offline in order to provide ease to the beneficiaries whose Aadhaar authentication either fails or who still do not possess Aadhaar cards.

This provision will also provide comfort to the disabled and destitute beneficiaries who are facing problems in accessing the Fair Price Shops. They will be able to nominate a person who will be able to draw ration after due verification.

“The system will also provide portability under which a ration card holder can avail ration from any shop across Delhi. However, for availing this facility, the Biometric data of the beneficiaries must match the official record,” he said.