Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday launched a pilot project to upgrade 60 Fair Price Shops (FPS) or ration shops into 'Jan Poshan Kendras.'
The Ministry plans to upgrade at least 1,000 such hubs in the next 6 months and 40,000-50,000 in a year. With approximately 5.38 lakh FPS operational across India, the successful implementation of this pilot could pave the way for a nationwide transformation of ration shop network, Joshi said.
The pilot project allows FPS dealers to diversify their inventory beyond subsidised grains and convert this as nutrition hub. The revamped shops can now stock millets, pulses, dairy products, and daily essentials, potentially opening up new revenue streams for the dealers.
Alongside this, Joshi introduced an upgraded version of the 'Mera Ration' app and unveiled Quality Manual Handbook, Contract Manual of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Digital Quality Management System and NABL accreditation of the labs.
Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra highlighted collaborative efforts with SIDBI to facilitate easy credit for FPS dealers and partnerships with the Skill Development Ministry to provide entrepreneurship training.
As part of this initiative, about 60 FPS across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat have been identified, which will receive credit facilities from SIDBI, and access to over 3,500 products across various staples and FMCG categories from udaan.
The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation welcomed the initiative, describing it as a "big relief" for shop owners grappling with viability issues.
Published 20 August 2024, 10:01 IST
