SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 2: Jharkhand’s Public Distribution System (PDS) will soon become fully technology-driven, with services running “faster than the Rajdhani Express,” said Health, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Irfan Ansari on Thursday.
4G e-PoS machines launched at Jamtara
The minister was speaking at the launch of 4G-enabled electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) machines at Jamtara Town Hall. He said the state government has decided to replace outdated 2G machines with 4G e-PoS devices to make the PDS system more efficient and consumer-friendly.
2G machines caused long queues, delays
Dr Ansari said the old 2G e-PoS machines often created serious problems for consumers.
“Due to technical issues, people had to stand in queues for hours. Many returned home without getting food grains,” he said.
He alleged that the previous government failed to resolve the issue, adding that the present government is committed to modernising the PDS for public convenience.
State to support PDS dealers, honesty expected
The minister also assured support to PDS dealers, especially during financial difficulties. He said that while the Central government has not released dealer commissions, the state government stepped in to assist.
However, he made it clear that dealers must work honestly and transparently to ensure the smooth delivery of food grains to beneficiaries.
With the introduction of 4G technology, the government aims to ensure faster transactions, reduced waiting time, and greater transparency in the PDS network across Jharkhand.
