Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh today launched the QR coded digital Ration card, a step further to check fake ration cards in the state. The new ration cards, in the size of PAN card, would be made available, within a week to people.
Transport, Food and Civil Supply Minister Shri GS Bali and Industries Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri and Excise and Taxation Minister Shri Prakash Chaudhary were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister said that the new system will help in controlling bogus ration cards besides it would check the pilferage of ration. The digital card will be linked with AADHAR and operated through swipe machines. As many as 2000 Point of Sale (POS) machines, compatible with the card had been procured for civil supplies fair price shops.
There were 16 lakh ration cards which would be distributed to consumers within a week said Food and Civil Supply Minister Shri G.S.Bali.
He said automation of PDS had begun in the State with digitalization of ration cards and installation of POS machines in fair price shops, under the ePDS project. The cost of automation/computerization shall be borne by the Centre and the State Govt of 50:50 basis, he said.
Principal Secretary, F&CS Shri Tarun Kapoor and Managing Director, Food and Civil Supply Ms. M Sudha Devi were also present on the occasion amongst others.