Why is it in the news?
→ Bihar approved installation of first three Grain ATMs in Patna as a pilot project.
→ Initiative aims to automate public distribution of food grains.
Category: Misc
Important Points
- Also called Annapurti, meaning “provider of grain”.
- Automated machine dispensing wheat and/or rice.
- Technology developed by the World Food Programme (WFP).
- Implemented with Food Corporation of India and state governments.
- Can release 50 kg of grain in five minutes.
- Operates 24×7 and can run on solar power.
- Requires internet connectivity to access PDS database and BPL profiles.
- Beneficiaries authenticate via Aadhaar-based biometrics.
- Grain quantity selected through PoS linked to ration/Aadhaar card.
- Maximum disbursement limits are predefined.
- PDS data updates automatically and confirmation slip is issued.