Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Praises Gujarat’s Tech-Driven Food Distribution System
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], September 10: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to review preparations for the upcoming 4th RE-Invest Meet, scheduled from September 16 to 18. Joshi commended the technological initiatives in Gujarat’s public distribution system, guided by CM Patel, as a model for other states.
During his visit, Joshi reviewed the activities of the Food Civil Supply Department in a meeting chaired by CM Patel. The meeting included State Food Civil Supplies Minister Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya, Minister of State Bhikhusinh Parmar, Chief Secretary Rajkumar, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Pankaj Joshi, and senior officials from both state and central governments.
The Gujarat government has implemented a robust system for food distribution, including supply chain automation, live vehicle tracking, and monitoring with over 7,500 CCTV cameras. This system ensures efficient last-mile delivery of food grains and saves the state an average of Rs 53 lakh per month through route automation.
The ‘My Ration’ mobile app and e-KYC through face authentication have benefited over 59 lakh people, with more than 20 lakh downloads. A feedback mechanism system contacts beneficiaries to gather responses, with 95% expressing satisfaction with the distribution system and quality.
In the last three years, 90% of complaints received by the State Level Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and 96% by the District Level Commission have been resolved. The state has also excelled in promoting millet purchase and distribution, paying Rs 470 crore to farmers for 1,70,600 MT of millet.
Gujarat’s pilot project of One Nation-One Ration Card has seen 69.94 lakh transactions. CM Patel has directed a zero-tolerance policy for maintaining the quality of grains, pulses, and edible oil. All food items under the Public Distribution System and P.M. Nutrition are distributed only after passing strict quality checks.
Union Minister Joshi was impressed by Gujarat’s foolproof system and assured proper consideration for central allocation of food grains to the state. Ramesh Meena, Principal Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, provided detailed information on Gujarat’s performance in public distribution through a presentation.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Pralhad Joshi -: Pralhad Joshi is a politician in India who works as a Union Minister. He helps manage important tasks for the government.
Gujarat -: Gujarat is a state in western India. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Tech-Driven -: Tech-Driven means using technology to make things work better and faster. In this case, it means using computers and other tech tools to distribute food.
Food Distribution System -: A Food Distribution System is a way to get food to people who need it. It makes sure everyone has enough to eat.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. They make important decisions for the state.
Bhupendra Patel -: Bhupendra Patel is the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He helps run the state government.
4th RE-Invest Meet -: The 4th RE-Invest Meet is a big event where people talk about renewable energy and how to use it better. It happens for the fourth time.
Public Distribution System -: The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a way the government provides food and other essentials to people at lower prices.
Supply Chain Automation -: Supply Chain Automation means using machines and technology to manage the process of getting products from one place to another.
Live Tracking -: Live Tracking means using technology to see where something is in real-time. It helps keep track of deliveries.
Feedback Mechanism -: A Feedback Mechanism is a way for people to give their opinions or complaints about a service. It helps improve the service.
59 lakh -: 59 lakh means 5.9 million. It is a way to count large numbers in India.
Millet Distribution -: Millet Distribution means giving out millet, a type of grain, to people. Millets are healthy and nutritious.
One Nation-One Ration Card -: One Nation-One Ration Card is a project that allows people to get their food rations from anywhere in India, not just their home state.
Central Food Grain Allocation -: Central Food Grain Allocation means the central government decides how much food grain each state will get. It helps make sure everyone has enough food.
