Why in news?
The Union Government has recently rolled out a suite of digital reforms designed to modernise India’s public food supply chain. Launching platforms such as Bhandaran 360, Smart EXIM, ANNA DARPAN and ASHA, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) aims to improve storage, logistics and feedback systems across the Public Distribution System. These measures are intended to enhance transparency, efficiency and convenience for beneficiaries.
Background
India’s Public Distribution System distributes subsidised foodgrains to millions of households, but has long struggled with outdated warehousing and opaque processes. To tackle these issues the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has partnered with technology firms to develop integrated digital platforms. The reforms build on earlier efforts such as digitised ration cards and DBT, and represent the next stage in modernising warehousing and logistics.
Key initiatives
- Bhandaran 360: an enterprise resource planning platform that connects 41 modules and 35 external systems. It supports functions such as inventory management, finance, procurement and quality control through a single sign‑on, encrypted dashboards and predictive analytics. Interfaces with GST, e‑Office and payment gateways allow seamless transactions and real‑time stock visibility.
- Smart EXIM Warehouse System: a gate‑automation and yard‑management system that manages arrivals, dispatches and quality checks using RFID scanners, digital weighbridges and GPS tracking. It facilitates digital inventory management and can be integrated with private grain silos.
- ANNA DARPAN: a mobile‑first microservices platform that stitches together FCI operations—from depot inspections to distribution—into a common architecture. It uses mobile apps for data entry, online approvals and automated generation of stock reports.
- ASHA (Automated Storage and Handling Assistant): an AI‑powered chatbot and interactive voice response (IVR) system that collects feedback from beneficiaries. Using multilingual calls and sentiment analysis, ASHA helps detect grievances, monitor service quality and generate actionable insights for officials.
Significance
- Improved transparency and accountability by providing real‑time dashboards on grain stocks, truck movements and quality reports.
- Reduced leakages and pilferage through digital gate passes, GPS monitoring and standardised processes.
- Faster grievance redressal using AI‑based feedback systems that can detect patterns of dissatisfaction and direct issues to the appropriate authority.
- Better decision‑making through predictive analytics that forecast demand, optimise storage and suggest procurement schedules.
Conclusion
The introduction of Bhandaran 360, Smart EXIM, ANNA DARPAN and ASHA marks a significant step toward a transparent and efficient Public Distribution System. By integrating operations, automating warehouses and listening to beneficiaries, the reforms could reduce wastage and ensure timely delivery of foodgrains to the needy.
Sources: The Hindu