Jharkhand Public Distribution System: The difficulties in getting ration under the Public Distribution System (PDS) may soon end. This initiative will provide great relief to the beneficiaries especially those in remote areas. 25,000 PDS dealers will be given 4G e-POS machines, which will make the grain distribution process faster and smoother. At present, dealers are using 2G based e-POS machines, which cause slow speed and technical problems.

Tender process and cabinet approval

The Department of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs will soon start the tender process for this project. A proposal for the tender process will be prepared and approved by the Cabinet. The agencies will also be given the responsibility of machine maintenance. The department will ensure that the process is transparent and efficient.

Scope of ration distribution in Jharkhand

At present, 2.84 crore beneficiaries are receiving ration under PDS in Jharkhand. Out of these, 2.64 crore beneficiaries come under the National Food Security Act. At the same time, there are 20.29 lakh green ration card holders under the Jharkhand State Food Security Act. Ranchi district has the highest number of PDS dealers.

Initiatives of Champai Government

The previous Champai Soren government had decided to install 4G e-POS machines in February 2024. Rs 63.72 crore was sanctioned for this. Apart from this, Rs 28.67 crore will be spent on machine maintenance every year. This step was taken with the aim of improving ration distribution and providing facilities to the beneficiaries.

Potential benefits from 4G e-POS machine

Speed ​​up ration distribution: With the help of 4G technology, the ration distribution process will be more effective.

Compliance with deadlines: The designated beneficiaries will receive ration on time within a month.

Stop rigging: New technology will bring transparency in distribution.

Facility in remote areas: Beneficiaries of remote areas will also be able to get ration easily.

New options for tender process

The department has considered options like Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal and NCDEX e-Markets Limited (NEML) for the tender process. Also, e-Jharkhand tender process will also be tested.

New initiative in health sector too

The state government is also improving health services. Superspeciality facilities are going to start in Dhanbad and Jamshedpur. Doctors have been deployed for neuro surgery, cardiology and oncology services.