Delhi Government to Launch Smart PDS With QR Code Ration Cards and Biometric Tracking
The Delhi government announced on Thursday that it is preparing to roll out a Smart Public Distribution System (Smart-PDS) across Delhi to modernise the city's food distribution network. The new system will introduce smart ration cards featuring QR codes, biometric and facial authentication, and digital tracking capabilities to curb the leakage of subsidised foodgrains.
Under the Centre-sponsored programme, the initiative aims to establish a centralised database of beneficiaries. Local ration card holders in Delhi will be able to manage their accounts digitally, allowing them to apply for new cards, check eligibility criteria, and add or delete names within a single system.
Beneficiaries will also be able to track the real-time status of ration availability at fair price shops. The introduction of biometric and facial authentication during distribution is designed to prevent the diversion of subsidised foodgrains and other essential commodities.
According to officials, the platform will feature technology-enabled monitoring of fair price shops and digital recording of transactions. These measures are expected to improve transparency, strengthen oversight, and reduce irregularities in the distribution process.
The Smart-PDS platform will be integrated with the Central government’s 'One Nation, One Ration Card' programme. This integration will enable eligible beneficiaries from Delhi and other states to collect their entitled foodgrains from any fair price shop across India.
To prepare for the rollout, the Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has constituted a 16-member User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Committee. This committee is tasked with testing and validating the Ration Card Management System (RCMS) application that has been integrated with the Smart-PDS platform.
The committee comprises assistant commissioners from all 13 districts of Delhi along with senior department officials. The group has been tasked with examining every feature of the system before its official launch. Officials stated that the committee will also recommend improvements and modifications to ensure the platform is completely user-friendly.
