Transformation of Ration Shops into 'Jan Poshan Kendras' Launched in Pilot Project

Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched a pilot project aimed at transforming 60 Fair Price Shops (FPS) into 'Jan Poshan Kendras' across UP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The initiative focuses on diversifying inventory to include millets, pulses, dairy products, and daily essentials to boost revenue streams and improve nutrition access.

Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday launched a pilot project set to turn 60 Fair Price Shops (FPS), commonly known as ration shops, into 'Jan Poshan Kendras' across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana. This initiative aims to enhance their operational viability and improve access to nutrition for the public.

The pilot program permits FPS dealers to diversify their product offerings beyond subsidized grains. These revamped shops will now stock a variety of items including millets, pulses, dairy products, and other daily essentials, potentially opening up new revenue streams for the shop owners.

At the launch event, Joshi emphasized the existing operational inefficiencies faced by FPS dealers, noting that many shops open infrequently and the current commission structure is inadequate. He stressed the need for alternative approaches to better utilize shop space and manpower.

In alignment with the pilot, Joshi introduced an upgraded version of the 'Mera Ration' app and unveiled several guides and manuals for the Food Corporation of India (FCI), along with a Digital Quality Management System and NABL accreditation for laboratories.

Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra mentioned collaborations with SIDBI to provide easy credit for FPS dealers and the Skill Development Ministry to offer entrepreneurship training. The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation welcomed the initiative, calling it a ''big relief'' for struggling shop owners.

As the pilot unfolds, its impact on both the dealers and beneficiaries of the public distribution system will be closely monitored. Meanwhile, eB2B platform udaan has partnered with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and SIDBI to enhance FPS dealer incomes and improve nutritional outcomes for beneficiaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)