When the Covid-19 pandemic struck our country, many of our fellow citizens had to face the brunt of livelihood loss while simultaneously trying to protect their lives. Governments across the country, especially the Government of Karnataka led by CM BS Yediyurappa have attempted to provide as much relief as possible. But adverse times call for bold measures. 

PM Modi’s announcement of a rapid rollout for ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ is one such bold measure which will help our migrant shramik bandhus who regularly travel to various parts of the country. The proposed measure will make monthly food entitlements available to migrants regardless of the location of their work. 

This is a major step towards increasing the efficacy of the PDS by making food reach those who are in need of it. It further shows the willingness of our government to continue implementing long pending pro poor reforms in partnership with state governments.

As of now ration cardholders were able to buy food grains only from a Fair Price Shop (FPS) that has been assigned to them in their residential locality of their home states. Once the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system becomes operational nationally, a recipient who hails from Bihar but has migrated to Namma Bengaluru or a person who hails from Kalburgi and works in Mumbai will be able to buy subsidised foodgrains from any FPS in the city wherein he is working. The new system will identify a beneficiary through biometric authentication on electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices installed at the FPSs. This is not a sudden move though, the central government started work on this ambitious project when it launched the Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) in April 2018 to reform the public distribution system in the country. The ‘one nation one ration card’ is a testament to both Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Digital India’ as well as of a India which is united in the truest sense.  Whether it was giving every India a bank account through the Jan Dhan Yojana, or providing internet to the farthest corners of the country, Shri Modi has shown an astute sense of promoting welfare for all through effective use of technology. In this time of a global pandemic, technology can be a life saver, and can bring welfare to all those in need. We are resolute in our desire to make use of the technological avenues available to us and ensure ‘Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas’.