Srinagar, Mar 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is planning to introduce e-Ration cards by 2027 to ensure seamless service delivery and reduce the potential for fraud.
The initiative is among the series of tech-driven initiatives to enhance efficiency, transparency, and consumer satisfaction as part of five year approach plan of Viksit Jammu Kashmir 2047.
As per the officials, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs has launched an ambitious plan to digitize operations and streamline services with a key among them a new mobile app will provide comprehensive information about the department and its services so to empower beneficiaries with real-time updates and facilitate easier access to essential commodities.
In a bid to strengthen communication and promote cashless transactions, the department is integrating mobile numbers with ration cards and encouraging the use of bank accounts for payments. This digital leap is complemented by the introduction of geo-tagging for storage infrastructure and GPRS tracking for transportation vehicles to ensure the prompt and economic delivery of food grains, it said.
It also said that the department is also upgrading Point of Sale (POS) devices across Fair Price Shops (FPS) and integrating services with Community Service Centres which will make FPS more vibrant and visible so to serve as a one-stop-shop for various community needs, including the supply of 5 kg LPG cylinders under the norms of the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO).
The government is committed to distribute fortified rice through the PDS across the region to ensure better nutrition for its citizens, it added.
It said that to protect consumer rights, the govt is also strengthening enforcement wings with IT tools to monitor compliance with the Essential Commodities Act 1955.
The State, District Consumer Commissions are being revitalized to address grievances swiftly, and awareness campaigns are being launched to educate the masses on consumer rights, it added.
