The Union Food and Public Distribution Ministry has recently unveiled a series of digital initiatives designed to modernize warehousing operations and enhance the overall efficiency and transparency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). These efforts aim to streamline supply chain processes and ensure better service delivery to beneficiaries.
ASHA is an artificial intelligence-based platform that facilitates feedback collection from PDS beneficiaries. Developed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, this tool allows beneficiaries to share their experiences regarding ration distribution through AI-enabled calls in their preferred languages. The platform, developed in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation and supported by the India AI mission via Bhashini's multilingual infrastructure, operates at a cost of ₹5 lakh and reaches 20 lakh beneficiaries nationwide each month.
Through ASHA, beneficiaries can report on their entitlement receipt, foodgrain quality, and any challenges faced at Fair Price Shops. The system employs multilingual translation, sentiment analysis, automated grievance categorization, and real-time dashboards for effective administrative oversight.
The Central Warehousing Corporation has introduced Bhandaran 360, a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning platform. Implemented ahead of schedule, it integrates 41 modules covering essential functions such as HR, finance, marketing, warehouse management, and more. The system is linked with 35 external systems, including ICEGATE, port systems, and FCI, facilitating seamless digital connectivity in food storage and movement.
This new system offers single sign-on and role-based access for improved security, end-to-end data encryption, real-time dashboards, and predictive analytics for quicker decision-making. It also includes features like lead and marketing management, integrated HRMS, and smart material management.
The Central Warehousing Corporation has also introduced the Smart EXIM Warehouse System for container freight stations and general warehouses. This system utilizes AI, IoT, FASTag, and other technologies to automate key processes. Major components include gate automation systems integrated with ports and rail systems, yard management with real-time tracking, and smart inventory management for real-time cargo tracking.
Launched by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), ANNA DARPAN is a microservices-based platform replacing the existing Depot Online System. It integrates activities like procurement, storage, sales, and quality checks under one system, serving as a single source of truth for FCI and the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
ANNA DARPAN offers a mobile-first design, real-time dashboards across various points, and smooth integration with internal and external systems, enhancing transparency and decision-making within India's food supply chain.
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