New Initiatives to Improve the Public Distribution System:
The Union Food and Public Distribution Ministry recently launched several digital initiatives aimed at modernising warehousing operations, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing transparency across the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- It is an AI-based platform that allows Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries to share their feedback on ration distribution through AI-enabled calls in their preferred language.
- It was introduced by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
- The platform runs at a cost of ₹5 lakh.
- ASHA reaches 20 lakh beneficiaries monthly across India, developed in partnership with the Wadhwani Foundation and backed by the India AI mission via Bhashini’s multilingual AI infrastructure.
- Through ASHA, beneficiaries can report whether they received their full entitlement, the quality of foodgrains, and any difficulty faced at Fair Price Shops.
- The system uses multilingual translation, sentiment analysis, automated grievance categorisation, and real-time dashboards for administrators.
- Bhandaran 360 is the Central Warehousing Corporation’s new Enterprise Resource Planning platform.
- Implemented ahead of schedule, the system integrates 41 modules covering HR, finance, marketing, warehouse management, contract management, project monitoring, and other core functions.
- It is also linked with 35 external systems, including ICEGATE, port systems, FCI, NAFED, NCCF, and WDRA, enabling seamless digital connectivity across the food storage and movement ecosystem.
