Odisha has launched India's first 24/7 'Grain ATM'.
People can now use their ration card numbers on a display monitor with a touchscreen and machines to receive the entitled ration.
Arpit Pattnaik
Odisha has introduced its first Grain ATM for the distribution of rice, which was made available to the public on Thursday. This initiative makes Odisha one of the states in India to offer 24/7 access to beneficiaries of the public distribution system through the launch of a standalone grain dispensing solution called Annapurti Grain ATM.
People can now obtain the ration they are entitled to by using their ration card numbers on the display monitor with touchscreen and machines. The Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, emphasized that this is a significant partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) to enhance nutritional security in the state and focus on food security.
The ATMs will be installed across the state to provide food grains to beneficiaries with 24/7 access under the National Food Security Act. This inauguration of Annapurti has several additional features, such as being the first standalone solution to offer 24-hour service, similar to a banking ATM. It provides universal access to anyone with a valid PDS ration card in India, regardless of the state and Union Territory.
Annapurti can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in five minutes, with an error rate of only 0.01 percent. Once biometric authentication is completed, consistent access to the full food ration is provided. The energy-efficient design of Annapurti consumes only 0.6 Watts per hour and can be connected to solar panels for automatic refilling. These units enable 24/7 access, reducing waiting time by 70 percent.
When the ration card holders enter their ration card number and authenticate through biometrics, the machines will dispense rice, which will be collected in a gunny bag attached to the two metric-tonne capacity machines. Additionally, beneficiaries facing difficulties can call the helpline number and receive assistance within two days of registering a complaint.
