NEW DELHI: Minister GR Anil said that the National Informatics Center (NIC) has assured that the frequent technical glitches in the e-POS machines, which have hampered the distribution of ration in the state, will be resolved within three weeks. NIC assures that the new system will be developed in such a way that it will not fail. This was during a discussion held by the minister with technical experts led by NIC Deputy Director General Amarnath Mishra in Delhi.

Linking of e-pos machine and weighing machine has been initiated under Food Safety Act to ensure accurate ration quantity. The shops will be supplied with weighing machines capable of weighing up to 60 kg sacks. However, the Minister said that although the Center was requested to provide half of the 32 crores required for this, it was clarified in the discussion with the Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal that there is no provision to allocate this only to one state. It has also been assured that if the e-pos machines and weighing machines are linked, the state allocation for one quintal of foodgrain supply will be considered to be increased from two rupees to three rupees.

5 kg of wheat will be reinstated

Kerala's demand to restore the 5 kg wheat quota for white and blue card holders was accepted in a discussion with the Union Food Minister. The Union Minister also informed that the demand of allocating at least 5 kg of rice to all the ration card holders during the Onam season will be considered. Minister Anil also met Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri demanding an increase in the kerosene quota.