Chandigarh, 16 December 2024: Starting soon, residents in Punjab will no longer require traditional ration cards to access benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Beneficiaries will instead receive their allotted ration using chip-based smart cards, as part of a state government initiative to modernize the public distribution system.
The Food and Supplies Department has begun the process of issuing 40 lakh smart cards to NFSA beneficiaries across the state. Equipped with a chip, these cards will work seamlessly with Point of Sale (POS) machines, where a simple tap will display complete family details and facilitate immediate ration distribution. To support the system, 14,400 POS machines have already been arranged.
According to officials, the new system aims to streamline the distribution process, improve efficiency, and ensure transparency. “This initiative will strengthen the public distribution system and eliminate fake beneficiaries by providing real-time data updates,” said a department spokesperson.
Punjab has 14,000 depot holders distributing NFSA benefits to 40 lakh families. Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive 5 kg of wheat per family member each month. Ration is distributed quarterly, with families receiving three months’ worth at once. For example, a family of four would receive 60 kg of wheat in one allotment.
Currently, beneficiaries must present both a ration card and Aadhaar card at depots, along with a thumbprint, to collect their allocation. This process is time-consuming and prone to errors. With the introduction of smart cards, the traditional system will be replaced, removing these challenges.
To implement the project, the department has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for appointing an agency responsible for manufacturing and delivering the smart cards.
Once finalized, the agency will also operate and maintain the system, ensuring all beneficiary data is stored online.
The new technology will help identify fake beneficiaries and detect irregularities by depot holders.
Real-time data tracking will prevent manipulation, ensuring greater accountability and a fair distribution of resources.
This significant upgrade marks a major step towards digitization in Punjab’s public distribution system, promising faster and more efficient service for NFSA beneficiaries across the state.