The Jan Poshan Kendras pilot project allows Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers to offer more items beyond just subsidized grains. The updated shops will now sell millets, pulses, dairy products, and other daily essentials, creating new revenue opportunities for dealers.
On Tuesday, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi launched this project to transform 60 FPS into 'Jan Poshan Kendras' in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The goal is to make these shops more effective and improve access to nutrition.
"This change will benefit everyone," Joshi said at the launch. He pointed out that many FPS are only open 8-9 days a month or just once every three months, and often remain closed. He noted that the current commission structure for FPS dealers is not sufficient and that new methods are needed to better utilize shop space and staff.
Along with the pilot project, Joshi introduced an updated version of the 'Mera Ration' app and unveiled new resources, including the Quality Manual Handbook, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Contract Manual, a Digital Quality Management System, and NABL accreditation for labs.
The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers' Federation praised the initiative as a "big relief" for shop owners facing profitability issues. The launch event was attended by senior officials from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), state food secretaries, and representatives from the World Food Programme.
As the pilot progresses, the impact of transforming ration shops into nutrition hubs on both dealers and beneficiaries will become clearer.
Additionally, the eB2B platform udaan has teamed up with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). This partnership aims to boost the income of Fair Price Shop dealers and improve nutrition for beneficiaries. udaan co-founder and CEO Vaibhav Gupta stated that the initiative will support community shops and help ensure that all Indians have access to quality, affordable food.
Through this effort, about 60 Fair Price Shops in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat will receive credit from SIDBI and gain access to over 3,500 products, including staples and everyday goods, through udaan.
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