Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: There are about 5.3 lakh ration shops in the country, out of which around one lakh are being run by cooperative societies and self-help groups. About 10,000 other ration shops are being run by panchayats.
More than three lakhs ration shops are being run by private individuals.
Ration shop dealers have been complaining in the past that just the distribution of foodgrain under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) was not a financially viable option for them.
Thus, an effort was initiated to enable the dealers to develop better connect with customers with maximum wares on display and better services.
There are options for ration shop dealers to tie up with organisations such as the Common Service Centres. Such centres are the access points for delivery of Government-to-Citizen e-Services by creating the physical service delivery information and communications technology infrastructure.
Taking modernisation of ration shops further, an initiative has been launched to develop 75 model ration shops. These model shops will have waiting space, closed circuit TV cameras, toilets, drinking water facilities among others.
Moreover, efforts are being made to provide opportunities for the development of existing humble infrastructure in shops with financial support from recognised national and international moneylending organisations.
According to available information, close to two lakh FPS have been automated in 22 states and UTs, while some 50,000 have been enabled with digital or cashless transaction facility.
