Lok Sabha Question No. 588 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-23
Subject: NFSA and PMGKAY
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Darshan Singh Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRiBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 588

TO BE ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2025

## NFSA AND PMGKAY

## t588.  SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER AFFAIRS,  FOOD AND  PUBLIC  DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

- (a) the  steps taken/being taken  by the  Government to  enhance transparency, improve efficiency and empower citizen in  the context of National Food Security Act  (NFS A)  and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)  along with the details thereof;
- (b) the objectives and key design features  of the Anna Mhra  Mobile App;  and
- (c) the manner in  which the said App enhances beneficiaries access to the Public Distribution System?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)

- (a): As part of the technology driven Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) reforms, with the aim  to enhance transparency  and  improve efficiency in the TPDS,  ration cards/beneficiaries database have been completely digitized (100%) in all  States/UTs. The transparency portal and online grievance redressal facility/Toll-free number have  been implemented in all States,/UTs. Also,  online allocation has been implemented in all States/UTs and  supply chain  has  been  computerized in  31  States/UTs  (except  UTs of  Chandigarh, Puducherry and Urban area of Dadra &  Nagar Haveli which have adopted DBT  Cash Transfer scheme). Further, for better tracking  of  foodgrains distribution,  nearly  5.41 Lakh  (99.6%)  out of total  5.43 Lakh  Fair  Price Shops (FPSs) in the country have been automated by  installing ePoS devices for the distribution of foodgrains in a transparent manner (electronically) through biometric/ Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries.

At  present, One Nation  One Ration  Card (ONORC)  is seamlessly implemented  in all  36 States/UTs,  across the  country. ONORC  ensures nation-wide seamless portability of  Pradhan Manta Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) foodgrains distributed by the States/UTs. Through this  technology driven reform, around 80  Crore PMGKAY  beneficiaries, are empowered to lift  their entitled foodgrains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) of their choice, anywhere in the country, by using their same existing ration card with  biometric authentication on an electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) device.

(b) &  (c): The Anna Mitra  mobile app empowers PDS (Public Distribution System) field functionaries by providing the access to critical operational data through a secure platform. The app is designed to streamline field-level  monitoring,  stock management, and compliance reporting by Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, Food Inspectors and District  Food Supply Officers (DFSOs).

Key Design Feature of Anna Mitra  -

- Streamline field-level  operations,  stock tracking, and compliance reporting.

· Transaction summary  of ration  cards,  beneficiary  management and  other stakeholder information.

- Inspection modules, feedback and rating modules
- e Stock level management from District  to FPS level

These features enable the app to

- Reduce bottlenecks and eliminate manual paperwork.
- Enhance decision-making through data access .

Anna Mitra ultimately brings all  key PDS stakeholders onto a single, secure digital platform,  improving  transparency, speed, and efficiency  in  service delivery.

At present,  the  Anna  Mitra app  is  operational  in four  pilot States i.e  Uttarakhand, Tripura, Assam and Punjab and available in two  languages (English &  Hindi).  It  is getting implemented in other States/UT in phased manner.

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