No more cheating on weighing scales; grand overhaul for ration distribution system in Kerala; new scheme progressing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is intensifying measures to make the ration distribution system in Kerala more efficient and transparent. Since 2018, more than 14,000 ration shops have improved distribution through electronic point of sale (e-POS) machines. Now, the project to connect e-POS machines with electronic weighing machines (e-Balance) is in progress. The aim is to ensure accuracy of measurement and weight as per the Food Safety Act and protect the rights of beneficiaries. This project, implemented by the Food Public Distribution Department, will ensure an accurate quantity of food grains to beneficiaries.

The Commissionerate of Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs has initiated e-tendering for the purchase of electronic weighing machines. This includes supply, installation, e-POS integration, warranty and AMC of the weighing machines. Once the tender is completed, a project to connect e-POS and electronic weighing machines will be implemented in all ration shops.

A system is being considered to automatically transfer data from the weighing machine to the e-POS via Bluetooth or USB. A software setting that will allow billing only if the correct weight is obtained will also be in place. The pilot project, implemented in 10 ration shops in Thiruvananthapuram district in 2019 itself, was a success. Kerala is far ahead of other states in India in the efficiency and excellence of the public distribution system. The government believes that this project will also be a good model for other states.