New Delhi: The government on Thursday launched the ‘Anna Chakra’ and subsidy claim application for the National Food Security Act (SCAN) portal to modernize the public distribution system and streamline subsidy claiming processes.
Both the initiatives aim to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and ensure timely delivery of essential commodities to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act. Covering over 437,000 fair price shops and around 6,700 warehouses, the savings from this initiative are estimated to be 250 crore annually through optimized logistics routes, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said.
According to the minister, the Anna Chakra ‘Public Distribution System Supply Chain Optimization Tool’ was developed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP) and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT). Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D). The tool uses advanced algorithms to streamline the movement of food grains in the supply chain.
The device aims to reduce fuel consumption and transportation costs, thereby reducing carbon emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability. It increases the efficiency of the logistics network for the food security programme, which serves 810 million beneficiaries.
Route optimization has been done in 30 states, showing significant potential with estimated annual cost savings 250 crores. The initiative has reduced the quantity in quintals multiplied by the distance in kilometers (qkm), the key metric of the exercise, to 580 million units.
The interstate route optimization tool streamlines PDS movement between states by integrating with the freight operations information system of the Railways through the Unified Logistics Interface platform and PM Gati Shakti platform.
Meanwhile, through the SCAN portal, states can submit subsidy claims at a single location, allowing the Department of Food and Public Distribution to quickly review and approve them. The portal will automate the entire process, ensuring faster release and settlement of food subsidy.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), beneficiaries get 5 kg of wheat or rice free every month. The scheme, launched in March 2020 to help during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended for the next five years from January 1, 2024.
Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme, families are entitled to 35 kg of grains per month from the PDS, irrespective of the family size. 3 per kg for rice and Rs 2 per kg for wheat.
