Starting today, the UP government has begun the distribution of free foodgrains to about 15 crore beneficiaries in the state. Touted to be one of the biggest ration distribution programs, the drive is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojna (PMGKAY) and aims at reducing the woes of the economically marginalized citizens, who are not able to arrange for ration and food during the lockdown.

e-POS system to ensure transparency in distribution

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The Uttar Pradesh administration aims to provide about 5 kg of free ration to about 3.59 crore ration holders in the state, for the next two months. As per reports, the ration will be distributed at 80,000 shops under the supervision of nodal authorities, in compliance to COVID-19 safety protocols. The Department of Food and Civil Supply will use e-POS ( electronic point of sales) machines at wheat procurement centres in UP to ensure transparency in the distributions.

The Commissioner of Food and Civil Supplies Department, said, "The state has around 3.59 crore households having ration cards of 'Antodaya' and eligible household category, covering 14.7 crore beneficiaries. For this, it is estimated that more than 7.5 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains are required by the department. We have enough ration for all the beneficiaries under the scheme."

Distribution with precations

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The state has also constituted a system to ensure that the foodgrains distribution initiative upholds all COVID-19 precautions, effectively. The entire drive will be closely monitored by pandemic protocols, lest another spike. To maintain social distancing, each shop will only allow five beneficiaries at a time. Online tokens have been arranged by the government for the convenience and safety of the beneficiaries. People will also be asked to sanitise their hands before using the e-POS machines at the wheat procurement centres, read reports.

The drive is here to ensure that people are able to procure food on time even during the lockdown and in a safe manner. While the e-POS system will ensure transparency in distribution, close monitoring by authorities will make sure all safety protocols are being followed, for the successful execution of the drive.