When smart cards replace ration cards next year, the functioning of fair price shops would also get a makeover. The shops will get “Point of Sales” (POS) devices that would bring in transparency in sale of PDS commodities.
“POS devices will be installed in all 1,815 ration shops in the district next year. It will cover all three types of ration shops – those run by women self help groups, civil supplies department and cooperatives,” an official said.
Training for staff
He added that training would be imparted to government staff starting with the District Supply Officer, Taluk Supply Officers to sales men of the fair price shops on this system. One such training session was held on Monday.
This scheme has been implemented in 13 districts in the State so far, and is being extended to other districts in a phased manner, a press release said.
The official said the devices would be supplied for shops in Vellore district. The devices would put in place transparency.
Prevent malpractice
“It will prevent malpractices. Ration card holders would get SMS on their mobile phones about the quantity of commodities they purchased, bill amount and the available stock at the shop. They will also get details whether the shop is open for the day,” he added.
This would do away with malpractice and misuse as there will be a biometric system and only ration card holders or their family members can purchase PDS commodities, he added.
When this device is put in place, there would be no need for use of bill books and stock registry at these shops.
“The ration cards in use now are valid only for 2016. Smart cards would replace these ration cards from next year,” he said.
Card holders will get SMS on their mobiles about the quantity of commodities they purchased at the shop
