Shimla: To control bogus ration cards and pilferage of ration, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today launched the QR coded digital Ration card.
The new ration cards, in the size of PAN card, would be made available, within a week to people.
The digital card will be linked with AADHAR and operated through swipe machines. As many as 2000 Point of Sale (POS) machines, compatible with the card had been procured for civil supplies fair price shops.
Food and Civil Supply Minister GS Bali revealed that department would distribute 16 lakh ration cards to consumers within a week.
He said automation of PDS had begun in the State with digitalization of ration cards and installation of POS machines in fair price shops, under the ePDS project. The cost of automation/computerization shall be borne by the Centre and the State Govt of 50:50 basis, Bali further informed.
Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Excise and Taxation Minister Prakash Chaudhary, Principal Secretary, Tarun Kapoor and Managing Director, Food and Civil Supply M Sudha Devi were also present on the occasion amongst others.
