Central government implements One Nation One Ration Card scheme across the country The central government has implemented the One Nation One Ration Card scheme across the country, bringing relief to ration card holders.
Under this scheme, online electronic point of sale (POS) devices have been made mandatory at all shops.
As a result, beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) will now be able to buy goods under the National Food Security Act from any fair price shop in the country using their digital ration card.
No more errors in weighing of ration To ensure that beneficiaries receive the full amount of food grains, the government has decided to link electronic point of sale (EPOS) devices with electronic scales at ration shops.
This amendment is aimed at improving the transparency of the operation of the Target Public Distribution System (TPDS) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Hybrid model POS machines for offline and online mode All fair price shops in the country have been connected with online electronic point of sale (POS) devices.
To prevent beneficiaries from getting less ration under any circumstances, hybrid model POS machines have been given to ration dealers. These machines will work both offline and in online mode if there is no network.
Changes in the rule The government has amended sub-rule (2) of the Food Security (Assistance to State Governments Rules) 2015, in order to incentivize states to run the EPOS device properly and promote savings from the additional profit of Rs 17.00 per quintal.
The additional margin provided for the cost of purchase, operation, and maintenance of POS devices, if any, can be shared with the purchase, operation, and maintenance of electronic weighing scales for both.
Conclusion The One Nation One Ration Card scheme is a major step towards ensuring food security for the poor in the country.
The integration of electronic scales with POS devices will help eliminate errors in weighing, making the system more transparent and efficient.
The government’s efforts to promote savings from the additional profit of Rs 17.00 per quintal will encourage states to adopt the EPOS device properly, further improving the implementation of the scheme.
