Context:
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The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has launched a set of digital and AI-driven initiatives to modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS).
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These reforms aim to enhance transparency, beneficiary feedback, supply chain efficiency, and real-time governance across India’s food security architecture.
Key Highlights:
AI-Driven Beneficiary Feedback – ASHA Platform
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Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution (ASHA) is an AI-based feedback platform for PDS beneficiaries.
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Developed in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation.
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Reaches around 20 lakh beneficiaries every month.
Key Features of ASHA
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Enables beneficiaries to provide feedback in their preferred language.
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Captures inputs on:
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Entitlement delivery
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Quality of foodgrains
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Functioning of Fair Price Shops (FPS)
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Uses:
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Multilingual translation
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Sentiment analysis
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Automated grievance categorisation
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Real-time dashboards for administrators
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Supply Chain and Warehouse Digitisation
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Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) launched ‘Bhandaran 360’, a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
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Integrates 41 modules, including:
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Human Resources
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Finance and Marketing
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Warehouse and Contract Management
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Project Monitoring
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Logistics Modernisation Initiatives
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‘Smart EXIM Warehouse System’ introduced for:
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Container Freight Stations (CFS)
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General warehouses
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Supports faster cargo handling and improved warehouse operations.
Platform Modernisation
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ANNA DARPAN, a microservices-based digital platform, replaces the existing Depot Online System.
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Enhances scalability, interoperability, and data-driven decision-making.
Integration with National Logistics Vision
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These initiatives align with PM Gati Shakti, which seeks to:
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Integrate multiple modes of transport
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Reduce logistics costs
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Minimise turnaround time in supply chains
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Public Distribution System (PDS):
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Government system for distributing subsidised foodgrains.
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Fair Price Shops (FPS):
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Authorised outlets for ration distribution under PDS.
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ASHA Platform:
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AI-based beneficiary feedback system
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Bhandaran 360:
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ERP platform of Central Warehousing Corporation
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP):
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Integrated digital management of organisational processes
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PM Gati Shakti:
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National Master Plan for multimodal logistics integration
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Governance and Transparency:
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AI-enabled feedback improves last-mile accountability.
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Real-time dashboards support evidence-based policymaking.
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Technological Dimensions:
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Use of AI, machine learning, and microservices architecture in welfare delivery.
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Economic Implications:
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Improved storage and logistics reduce leakages and foodgrain wastage.
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Efficient PDS strengthens food security and fiscal efficiency.
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Challenges:
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Digital literacy gaps among beneficiaries.
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Data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.
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Way Forward:
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Expand offline–online hybrid feedback mechanisms.
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Strengthen data protection safeguards.
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Continuous capacity building of FPS dealers and officials.
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS Paper 2: Welfare delivery, e-governance
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GS Paper 3: Technology in public systems, logistics, food security
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Prelims: PDS, ERP, AI in governance, PM Gati Shakti