From Transparency to Responsiveness
Inaugurating the pavilion, Secretary of DFPD Sanjeev Chopra said the department is moving beyond transparency towards greater responsiveness through AI integration. He emphasised that AI applications now operate across the entire PDS value chain — from procurement and storage to transportation, distribution, and subsidy settlement.
According to Chopra, AI-based systems enable real-time monitoring and faster decision-making, ensuring that subsidy claims raised by States are processed efficiently. He noted that measurable improvements have already emerged within a short span, reinforcing accountability and operational precision.
India’s PDS serves nearly 800 million citizens every month under the National Food Security framework. Officials stated that AI interventions are helping deliver entitlements more accurately, reduce leakages, and enhance service quality.
India–WFP Collaboration Strengthened
Representatives from the World Food Programme highlighted their long-standing partnership with the Government of India. The collaboration, spanning more than two decades, continues to focus on improving food systems and supporting large-scale public welfare programmes.
The WFP’s India office has supported technological and analytical advancements within the PDS, particularly in logistics optimisation and digital transformation. Officials described the partnership as a model of global cooperation aligned with India’s food security goals.
Key AI Innovations on Display
The exhibition features several flagship initiatives designed to modernise PDS operations nationwide.
SMART PDS: A unified digital backbone integrating ration card management, allocation systems, procurement data, storage monitoring, transportation tracking, fair price shop operations, biometric authentication, and grievance redressal. Real-time dashboards support data-driven policymaking at Central and State levels.
Anna Chakra: An AI-powered movement planning tool that optimises foodgrain transportation by analysing demand patterns, stock positions, and routes. Officials say the system reduces logistics costs and transit times while lowering carbon emissions.
Depot Darpan: A smart warehousing monitoring platform using structured inspections and technology-enabled oversight to maintain hygiene standards and reduce storage losses.
Automatic Grain Analysers: Digital quality testing systems that enhance transparency during procurement, improving farmer confidence and accelerating grain assessment.
Citizen-Centric Digital Platforms
The Department also showcased platforms designed to enhance citizen engagement and grievance redressal.
Annapurti Grain ATMs: Automated dispensing systems that ensure accurate and dignified foodgrain distribution through biometric authentication.
ASHA (Anna Sahayata Holistic Solution): A multilingual grievance redressal and feedback platform aimed at improving citizen experience.
SCAN: An intelligent document processing tool designed to accelerate subsidy claim settlement with enhanced transparency.
A Hackathon has also been launched to encourage innovative solutions addressing last-mile nutrition challenges. Three emerging startups are presenting prototypes at the Summit.
Public Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam
The exhibition is being held at Hall No. 5, First Floor, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, and remains open daily between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM from February 17 to 19. Visitors can witness live demonstrations, including AI-enabled robotic presentations explaining system functionalities.
More information on the Summit is available via the Press Information Bureau (https://pib.gov.in) and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (https://dfpd.gov.in).
The initiative signals India’s growing commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence in governance. By embedding AI into food security operations, the government aims to strengthen efficiency, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery at an unprecedented national scale.
