Introduction
  • The Ministry of Food and Public Distribution launched several digital platforms to improve how ration is distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
  • These systems aim to: ? Reduce corruption ? Make distribution more transparent, and ? Improve warehouse management.

WHAT IS ASHA?

  • Full Form: Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution
  • ASHA is an AI-based platform that makes automated phone calls to ration beneficiaries.
  • It asks them about their ration experience, in their own regional language.
3. Purpose of ASHA Through ASHA, ration users can share:
  • Did they receive their full ration quota?
  • Was the quality of rice/wheat or other grains good?
  • Did they face any problem at the ration shop?
It replaces expensive call centres. ASHA operates at a low cost of about ₹5 lakh.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF ASHA

Feature Simple Meaning
Multilingual translation Speaks many Indian languages
Sentiment analysis Understands if the user is happy or upset
Automatic grievance categorisation Groups complaints by type
Real-time dashboard Officers can see live reports and complaints
  • ASHA currently connects to around 20 lakh ration beneficiaries every month.
  • It was developed with Wadhwani Foundation, under India AI Mission, using Bhashini language tools.

OTHER DIGITAL PLATFORMS LAUNCHED

(a) Bhandaran 360
  • New system by Central Warehousing Corporation.
  • Manages 41 functions like HR, finance, contracts, marketing, and warehouse operations.
  • Brings all warehouse work under a single digital system.
(b) Smart EXIM Warehouse System
  • For container freight stations and general warehouses.
  • Helps track movement of goods in and out of warehouses.
(c) ANNA DARPAN
  • Replaces the old Depot Online System.
  • Connects major activities like procurement, storage, transport, sales, quality checks, labour, and contracts.
  • Acts as a single, unified database for both the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the ministry.

BENEFITS OF THESE INITIATIVES

  • Helps in controlling corruption and ration misuse
  • Improves food grain supply, storage and tracking
  • Saves time and logistics cost
  • Helps government respond quickly to complaints
  • Builds a transparent and modern PDS system