The project for distribution of ration through e-POS (Electronic Point of Sale) machines was started in the district today. This project was inaugurated in the city by Municipal Councillors Mamta Ashu, Baljinder Singh Bunty, Pankaj Kaka, Dilraj Singh, besides several others at a function held at New Model Town, here today.Councillor Mamta Ashu informed that as per the National Food Security Act-2013, smart ration cards scheme has been started in the state and it is mainly aimed at bringing transparency and accountability in the Public Distribution System (PDS). The e-POS machines are based on biometric system and besides elimination of bogus/ineligible card holders, the consumer-friendly new system would also help curb pilferage of food grains.DFSC Mr Rakesh Bhaskar informed that there are around 4.10 lakh blue card holders in Ludhiana district and now the distribution of ration would be done through these schemes.
He said that each blue card holder gets five kilograms of wheat per month, and with the start of distribution of ration through e-POS machines, only genuine beneficiaries would be left.He informed that today, the beneficiaries in New Model Town were distributed wheat at Rs 2 per kg for a period of six months. He stated that a total of 25 inspectors have been deputed for Ludhiana city, while adequate staff has been deputed at other stations such as Jagraon, Mullanpur, Khanna etc. Each inspector would use every machine at all Fair Price Shops (FPS) on rotational basis. These e-PoS machines would be used for Biometric Aadhaar-based identification of the department's functionaries and beneficiaries. They have also been linked with weighing machines and IRIS (eye) scanners.Area councillor Baljinder Singh Bunty said that the e-POS machines would help in effective and transparent distribution of ration from Fair Price Shops.