Transparency in PDS system: State government's major initiative - Launch of three 'Annapoorna Grain ATMs' in Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur

Raipur / Chhattisgarh has taken a significant step to make the Public Distribution System (PDS) more transparent, secure and convenient. Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel today launched online the state's first three 'Annapoorna Grain ATMs' in Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur. With this innovation, Chhattisgarh joins a select group of states where beneficiaries can obtain food grains through grain ATMs, marking a major state government initiative for transparency in the PDS system. Through the Annapoorna Grain ATM, ration card holders can collect rice 24×7 at their convenience. They need to enter their Aadhaar number or ration card number on the machine screen and, after biometric authentication, receive the allotted quantity of food grains. This facility will relieve beneficiaries from long queues and time constraints at fair price shops. The 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme allows ration card holders from other states to also obtain food grains via biometric authentication, easing access for migrant workers and other out‑of‑state beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh. Currently, grain ATMs operate in Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Gujarat and Odisha; Chhattisgarh now becomes the fifth state to run grain ATMs. The machines, installed with World Food Programme support, have a storage capacity of about 2,500 kilograms and load rice automatically. After biometric verification, the machine dispenses the prescribed amount, enhancing transparency and monitoring of grain distribution. Food Minister Baghel said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and state guidance, continuous innovations are being made to modernise, make the PDS transparent and citizen‑friendly. The Annapoorna Grain ATM is a key step in this direction, allowing beneficiaries to collect ration at any time, saving time and reducing crowding at fair price shops. The World Food Programme representative Ms Najino Hoshimoni congratulated the Chhattisgarh government on this innovation, noting that the establishment of the Annapoorna Grain ATM, thanks to the efforts of the state government, Minister Baghel and Food Department Secretary Mrs. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, is a significant move towards a transparent and effective PDS. The inauguration was attended by Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, former Assembly Speaker Shri Premprakash Pandey, MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, Food Department Director Dr. Farha Alam, MD of the Civil Supplies Corporation Mrs. Iffat Ara, Deputy Director Shri Neelima Elma and other local representatives and beneficiaries.