JAN
POSHAN KENDRA - ECONOMY
News: The
Centre has recently launched a pilot project to transform a select number of
ration shops into ‘Jan Poshan Kendras’ or public nutrition centers. This
initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the
effectiveness of the public distribution system (PDS) in India. The goal is to
improve the nutritional value and income potential of these shops, addressing
both the needs of consumers for better food options and the financial concerns
of ration dealers.
What’s
in the news?
About
the Project
- The project aims to revamp 60 fair
price shops (FPS) in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh
into Jan Poshan Kendras.
- These centers are intended to improve
the viability of FPSs by offering a wider range of nutrition-rich food
items and increasing the income of ration dealers.
- Features:
- Product Range:
The Jan Poshan Kendras will stock 50% of their products with
nutrition-rich food items, while the remaining 50% will include other
household essentials.
- Additional Measures:
The project includes several new tools and systems:
- FPS Sahay Application:
Provides paperless, collateral-free financing for ration dealers.
- Mera Ration App 2.0:
Offers consumers updated information on the public distribution system.
- Quality Management Systems:
Includes new quality control measures and manuals.
- Accreditation:
NABL accreditation for three laboratories to ensure quality testing.
- Enhanced Food Security:
By offering better quality nutrition, the initiative aims to improve
public health and reduce malnutrition.
- Increased Transparency and
Efficiency: New digital tools are expected to
streamline operations and reduce corruption and inefficiencies.
- Improved Dealer Income:
By diversifying product offerings, FPS dealers can increase their
earnings.
Ration Shops
- Ration shops, or fair price shops
(FPS), are part of India’s public distribution system. They provide
subsidized food grains and other essential items to low-income families.
- There are approximately 5.38 lakh
(538,000) FPSs across India.
- The successful implementation of the
Jan Poshan Kendras pilot could lead to a nationwide transformation,
improving the public distribution system’s reach and effectiveness.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2046927