Why in NEWS
To modernize India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), the government launched the Anna Mitra App for frontline PDS staff and the Anna Sahayata grievance platform for over 81 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
Key Terms & Concepts
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Anna Mitra App | Role-based mobile app for FPS dealers, officers, and inspectors to track and manage PDS functions. |
| Anna Sahayata | Multichannel grievance redressal platform using WhatsApp, IVRS, and ASR tech. |
| PDS | Government system to deliver subsidized foodgrains to vulnerable groups. |
| NFSA, 2013 | Legal framework ensuring food access to ~67% of India’s population. |
News Simplified
- Anna Mitra App helps FPS dealers monitor stock, DFSOs handle grievances and data, and inspectors conduct geo-tagged inspections.
- Available in Hindi and English, the app is being piloted in 4 states: Assam, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Tripura.
- Anna Sahayata allows ration beneficiaries to lodge complaints via mobile, ensuring faster and more transparent redressal.
- These tools join broader reforms such as SMART-PDS, Aadhaar-based DBT, and GPS-tracked deliveries to make food distribution seamless and accountable.
Key Initiatives in Public Distribution System (PDS)
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Anna Mitra App | A mobile app developed for key PDS stakeholders: FPS Dealers, DFSOs, and Food Inspectors. |
| Target Users | – FPS Dealers: Track stock receipts, sales, alerts – DFSOs: Monitor FPS, handle grievances, access beneficiary data – Inspectors: Conduct geo-tagged inspections |
| Languages | Available in Hindi and English |
| Pilot States | Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Punjab |
| Goal | Enhance transparency, accountability, and data-based governance in PDS |
Anna Sahayata Platform
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Grievance redressal platform for PMGKAY and NFSA beneficiaries |
| Coverage | Benefits over 81 crore people |
| Complaint Modes | – WhatsApp – IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) – Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) |
| Focus Areas | Accessibility, accountability, timely resolution |
Public Distribution System (PDS)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| About | Government-run system distributing subsidized foodgrains to vulnerable populations |
| Legal Backing | National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 |
| Coverage | ~67% of India’s population as per Census 2011 |
| Major Commodities | Wheat, rice, sugar, kerosene; Some states include pulses, edible oils, salt |
| Governance | – Centre (via FCI): procurement, storage, transportation, bulk allocation – States: local distribution, FPS management |
Recent PDS Reforms & Innovations
| Reform / Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Anna Chakra | Optimizes PDS supply chains; reduces transport distances by 15–50%, saves ₹250 crore annually |
| SCAN | System for Computerized Allocation & Notification; automates food subsidy claims |
| ONORC | One Nation One Ration Card for portability of benefits across states |
| SMART-PDS | 2023–2026 scheme for technology upgradation in End-to-End Computerization and ImPDS |
| POS Machines | Used at FPS for real-time authentication and tracking |
| Aadhaar Linkage | Strengthens identification of genuine beneficiaries |
| DBT | Direct Benefit Transfer of subsidies |
| GPS & SMS Integration | GPS tracks foodgrain delivery; SMS alerts notify citizens on dispatch and arrival |
In a Nutshell (Mnemonic: SAP – Sahayata, App, PDS)
Sahayata to hear ration woes,
Anna Mitra to manage FPS digitally,
PDS goes tech-savvy and transparent.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which function is not handled through the Anna Mitra App?
A. Sales tracking at FPS
B. Geo-tagged inspections
C. Direct subsidy transfer to consumers
D. FPS performance monitoring - The Anna Sahayata platform uses which of the following tools for grievance redressal?
A. Telegram and email
B. IVRS, WhatsApp, ASR
C. POS devices and UPI
D. Video conferencing - Under the NFSA, 2013, approximately what proportion of India’s population is covered?
A. 40%
B. 50%
C. 67%
D. 75%
Mains Practice Questions
- (GS2 – Governance)
How do digital innovations like the Anna Mitra App enhance service delivery in welfare programs such as the Public Distribution System? - (GS3 – Science & Tech)
Critically examine the role of tech-driven tools in making India’s food security network more accountable and efficient.
Prelims Answer Key
| Qn | Ans | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | DBT is not part of the Anna Mitra App; it’s a separate PDS initiative. |
| 2 | B | Anna Sahayata uses IVRS, WhatsApp, and ASR to register complaints. |
| 3 | C | NFSA, 2013 legally covers about 67% of India’s population. |
