One Nation One Ration Card: Assam lags behind in implementing system

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government is yet to install the electronic point of sale devices (ePoS) at fair price shops (FPS) in the State.

The development has resulted in a delay in the implementation of the Centre's ambitious 'One Nation One Ration Card' system. The system enables migratory ration card holders or beneficiaries to get their entitled food grains from FPS of their choice anywhere in the country by using their existing ration card issued in their home States or Union Territories after biometric or Aadhaar authentication on ePoS installed at the FPSs.

Once the system is started, food distribution through FPSs will be transparent and the Centre will be able to keep track of all transactions. In 2018, Assam had made its first move to install ePoS and floated its first e-tender in July 2018, seeking parties to provide e-PoS devices. But financial constraint came in the way of successful installation of such devices.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan recently wrote to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reminding him about the State's unpreparedness for implementing the system and sought his personal intervention.

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