Odisha introduces innovative rice ATM for efficient public distribution

Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: India’s first rice ATM was officially launched by Krushna Chandra Patra, the Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, at a warehouse in Bhubaneswar’s Mancheswar area on Thursday.

This innovative automated machine is designed to distribute rice under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Ration card holders will use a touchscreen to enter their ration card number, followed by biometric verification, to receive up to 25 kg of rice per transaction.

The new system aims to streamline the distribution process, reducing the need for beneficiaries to wait in long lines at distribution centers. It is also expected to help curb theft and black-marketing. Minister Patra highlighted the significance of the pilot project, emphasizing its role in ensuring accurate rice distribution and preventing fraud.

Patra also mentioned that if the rice ATM proves successful, it will be rolled out across all 30 districts in Odisha and potentially extend to other states under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.