"Fair Price Shop Automation and portability within a District" – discuss the possible advantages of these changes in public distribution system.
In short
Fair Price Shop automation through e-PoS biometric authentication and real-time records curbs diversion and improves targeting, while portability within a district lets beneficiaries, especially migrants, draw rations from any shop. The e-PoS rollout covers over 533,000 shops nationwide, and portability later grew into One Nation One Ration Card.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 330 words
Automation Enhances Transparency
Installation of e-PoS devices in over 533,000 FPSs nationwide, including Andhra Pradesh, reduces leakages through biometric authentication and real-time transaction recording, curbing diversion of subsidized foodgrains.
Portability Facilitates Migrant Inclusion
Intra-district portability, later extended nationally as ‘One Nation One Ration Card’, enables beneficiaries to access entitlements anywhere within their district, addressing migrant exclusion and promoting social equity in urbanising areas.
Data Integration Improves Targeting
Linking ration card databases with other welfare registries reduces inclusion and exclusion errors, aligning with Justice Wadhwa Committee’s computerisation recommendations to enhance PDS governance.
Infrastructure and Digital Divide
Uneven digital infrastructure and literacy in rural Andhra Pradesh limit e-PoS effectiveness, causing delays and inconvenience for beneficiaries.
Beneficiary Awareness and Trust
Outreach and grievance redressal mechanisms are essential in high-migration districts of Andhra Pradesh to build confidence in portability and system usage.
Supply Chain Coordination
GPS tracking of foodgrain trucks in Andhra Pradesh exemplifies technology mitigating distribution bottlenecks and ensuring timely availability.
Expand Digital Infrastructure
Strengthening internet and power supply in rural Andhra Pradesh supports uninterrupted e-PoS functioning and real-time data updates.
Strengthen Portability Mechanisms
Developing interoperable databases and simplifying portability procedures within districts facilitates smoother access, especially for seasonal migrants in Andhra Pradesh’s agrarian and industrial belts.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2016 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.