Bhubaneswar, August 2024: In a groundbreaking initiative, Odisha has introduced India's first-ever Rice ATM in Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar. This innovative machine aims to make food grain distribution more efficient and accessible for the people. The Rice ATM, a 24/7 service, allows ration cardholders to withdraw rice and wheat anytime, just like how you withdraw money from a bank ATM.
The Rice ATM was inaugurated by the state's Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra. During the launch, he explained that if this pilot project proves successful, similar ATMs would be installed across all districts and blocks in the state. This initiative is part of Odisha's efforts to ensure that food grains reach the right people without delays or middlemen.
How Does the Rice ATM Work?
The Rice ATM is easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. To access grains, beneficiaries need to follow a few simple steps:
- Biometric Verification: First, you place your finger on the biometric scanner attached to the machine. This scanner checks your identity by matching your fingerprint with the records linked to your Aadhaar card.
- Ration Card Authentication: You also need to insert or scan your ration card to confirm your eligibility.
- Grain Dispensing: Once your details are verified, the machine will automatically dispense the amount of rice or wheat allocated to your ration card.
The entire process is done in the Odia language, making it user-friendly for the local population. Additionally, the government has provided special Grain ATM cards to ration cardholders, which can be used at these machines anywhere in India.
Benefits of the Rice ATM
This Rice ATM is expected to bring several benefits to the people of Odisha:
- Convenience: People no longer need to stand in long queues at ration shops. The ATM is available 24 hours a day, so you can collect your grains at a time that suits you.
- Reduced Theft and Exploitation: By automating the distribution of food grains, the Rice ATM helps eliminate theft and exploitation by middlemen. The grains go directly from the machine to the people, reducing the chances of corruption.
- Transparency: The system is transparent and secure, ensuring that only eligible individuals receive the grains.
Minister Patra highlighted that this initiative would significantly reduce the burden on ration shops and make the food distribution system more efficient. "This is a big step towards modernizing our public distribution system and ensuring that every eligible person gets their due without any hassle," he said.
Future Plans
If this pilot project is successful, Odisha plans to expand the Rice ATM network across the state. The government believes this will be a game-changer in the public distribution system, not just in Odisha but also in other states if adopted.
With the introduction of the Rice ATM, Odisha has set an example for the rest of the country. It is a significant step towards ensuring food security and transparency in the distribution of essential commodities.