Jamshedpur: Jharkhand’s first automated food grain dispensing machine, popularly known as an Annapurti ATM, is expected to become functional in Jamshedpur after Durga Puja. The machine has been installed at the block cum circle office in Khasmahal, Parsudih, and is currently undergoing trial runs before its formal launch.
Trials Underway at Khasmahal
Technical teams are testing the machine’s dispensing speed and checking its operation during power cuts with battery backup. Jamshedpur BDO Sumit Prakash said a preliminary trial had been completed and further testing would continue before the launch. A power backup is also being installed to keep the machine operational during electricity interruptions.
Biometric Authentication for Ration Collection
The Annapurti ATM will allow ration cardholders to authenticate themselves by entering their registered mobile number and using a biometric scanner. Beneficiaries can then select wheat or rice through a touchscreen, following which the allotted quantity will be dispensed directly into their bags. The entire process is expected to take around 10 minutes. Ration cardholders from anywhere in East Singhbhum district will be able to use the facility.
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Part of Centre Backed PDS Initiative
The grain ATM is part of a Centre-backed initiative being implemented with the World Food Programme to improve transparency and convenience in the public distribution system. The automated system is intended to reduce manual handling in ration distribution while giving beneficiaries a simpler way to collect their entitled food grains.
Two More Grain ATMs Proposed in Jharkhand
The Jamshedpur facility is among 32 grain ATMs installed across the country. Jharkhand has proposed two more such machines in Ranchi and Dhanbad. If the Jamshedpur facility performs as planned, the technology could provide another option for ration distribution while making the collection process more predictable for beneficiaries.
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