Raipur: The system for distributing rations under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Chhattisgarh is set to undergo a complete transformation. The state government is preparing to launch ‘Grain ATM’ centers to offer greater convenience to beneficiaries. Unlike bank ATMs that dispense cash, these machines will dispense PDS rice. Beneficiaries will be able to collect their rations from these ATM centers at any time—day or night. The objective of this new system is to reduce long queues at fair-price shops, save time, and make the ration distribution process more transparent and convenient.
The Food Department has decided to launch this scheme as a pilot project. In the first phase, one Grain ATM center each will be established in Raipur, Durg, and Bilaspur. The location for the Grain ATM in Raipur has already been finalized; the first center will be set up in a government building located behind the RTO office in the Rawanbhatha area. Officials from the Food Department and the Civil Supplies Corporation have inspected the site. If the pilot project proves successful, it will be implemented across the entire state in a phased manner.
24-Hour Service Like Bank ATMs
Grain ATM centers will operate 24×7, similar to bank ATMs. Beneficiaries can visit the center and collect their rations at their convenience. The entire process will take approximately 30 to 50 seconds. A security guard will also be deployed at the center to ensure safety.
How Rice Will Be Dispensed from the ATM
The process of obtaining rations from the Grain ATM will be quite simple:
First, the beneficiary will enter their ration card ID number into the machine.
Next, their identity will be verified using a fingerprint (biometric) scan.
Once verification is complete, the machine will automatically dispense the designated quantity of PDS rice based on the number of eligible family members registered on the card.
Beneficiaries can collect the rice in the bags or sacks they have brought with them.
This process will be similar to the e-PoS machines currently used at fair-price shops, but with the key difference that the beneficiary will operate the machine themselves.
