Hiccups for biometric authentication of PDS

Poor signal strength, glitches in fingerprint authentication reported

Initial hiccups like poor internet connectivity continue to haunt the implementation of recently introduced biometric authentication system in several fair price shops mainly situated in far-flung areas of the district.

According to sources, biometric-based electronic Point of Sales (e-PoS) devices have already been introduced in about 425 fair price shops across the district in a move intended to check malpractices in public distribution system.

Weak fingerprints

Ration shop dealers in several areas in Yellandu, Gundala, Mulakalapalli, Aswaraopeta and Dammapeta mandals are grappling with teething problems in implementing the foolproof biometric authentication system.

Multiple factors inlcuding the likes of poor signal strength and technical glitches in fingerprint authentication process were reported, sources added.

Some of the white ration card holders, particularly elderly persons and toiling masses with calloused palms, are finding it difficult to get through the biometric authentication process due to weak fingerprints.

In such cases, the authorities have asked the Village Revenue Officers to authenticate their biometric details to ensure distribution of ration to the eligible beneficiaries of the PDS.

Distribution of ration to an extent of 62% has been completed through the newly introduced biometric system in as many as 427 fair price shops so far in the current month in the district, said District Supply Officer Amrutha Reddy.

Some initial hiccups surfaced in using e-PoS machines in around 15 ration shops and the matter had been referred to the IT team, he said. He added that arrangements were in place to ensure uninterrupted ration distribution of stipulated quota to all eligible ration card holders.