Aadhaar cards-linked device to check PDS pilferage

KORAPUT (ODISHA): In a bid to check pilferage in the public distribution system, Koraput district administration has installed Aadhaar cards-linked electronic point of sale ( e-POS) machines in five urban areas.

These are slated to start functioning from tomorrow, officials said.

"We have installed the e-POS machines that has been linked with Aadhaar cards of the beneficiaries. Those who purchase ration will have to give a thumb impression on this machine. It then authenticates the Aadhaar card details of the ration card holder before generating the bill," said Ballabh Chandra Das, Civil Supplies Officer of Koraput.

Thus, only real beneficiaries would be able to collect the subsidised rice provided at Rs 1 per kg under PDS and there is no scope of pilferage.

At present, there are possibilities of shop owners selling the remaining rice to others at a higher price but with this system, it could be checked, he said.

In the first phase, 10 e-POS devices have been installed at two PDS centres each at Sunabeda, Semiliguda, Koraput, Jeypore and Kotpad.

In the second phase, the e-POS system will be extended to block headquarters and in the third phase all panchayats will be covered, officials said.