Aadhaar based e-PoS machines to manage Delhi ration distribution system

Delhi ration distribution system has just got a major overhaul in the start of the year 2018. The ration distribution in all 2,254 fair price shops has been made online to better serve the residents of the capital. The entire process will now be managed through the Aadhar based electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices.

As per the IANS report, the Aadhaar-based e-PoS machines would use biometric identification to ensure that ration card-holders get their allotted share of foodgrains. Delhi govt. is also making sure that the residents without Aadhaar cards don't suffer under the new online process. As per the Delhi Government, it is a test run and thus, distribution of 8 per cent card holders will be allowed off-line in order to provide ease to the beneficiaries whose Aadhaar authentication either fails or who still do not possess Aadhaar cards.

The new online ration distribution system will highly rely on Aadhaar card. The new system is said to have a robust mechanism for verification of beneficiaries through the Aadhaar authentication, having features to monitor transactions online. Moreover, to make sure that the beneficiaries get their fair share of ration, the e-Pos Devices have also been integrated with electronic weighing machine system.

IANS report further reads that the online system will provide comfort to the disabled and destitute beneficiaries who are facing problems in accessing the shops. The beneficiaries will have the option to nominate a person who will be able to draw ration after due verification. To make the overall ration distribution system flexible, a ration card holder can avail ration from any shop in the city, provided that his/her biometric data matches the official record.