Biometric-enabled machines to provide 24×7 ration access; migrant beneficiaries can also avail food grains under One Nation, One Ration Card
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 8,2026: Chhattisgarh has taken a major step towards making the Public Distribution System (PDS) more transparent, technology-driven and beneficiary-friendly with the launch of its first three ‘Annapurti Grain ATMs’ in Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dayaldas Baghel inaugurated the facilities virtually on Saturday. With the launch, Chhattisgarh has joined the select group of states using automated Grain ATMs for the distribution of food grains.
The Annapurti Grain ATM will enable ration card holders to collect their prescribed quantity of rice 24×7 without having to wait in queues at fair-price shops. Beneficiaries can enter their Aadhaar number or ration card number on the machine and complete biometric authentication to receive their allocated quantity of food grain.
Minister Dayaldas Baghel said the initiative was aimed at making the PDS more modern, transparent, secure and citizen-centric. He said the facility would provide beneficiaries greater flexibility in collecting their ration while reducing overcrowding and saving time.
Migrant beneficiaries to benefit
The facility will also be available to eligible beneficiaries from other states under the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme. This provision is expected to particularly benefit migrant workers and other beneficiaries who travel to or reside temporarily in Chhattisgarh, allowing them to access their entitled food grains through biometric authentication.
Chhattisgarh becomes fifth state with Grain ATMs
With the commissioning of the three machines, Chhattisgarh has become the fifth state in the country to operate Annapurti Grain ATMs. Similar facilities are already operational in Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Gujarat and Odisha.
The Grain ATMs have been established in collaboration with the World Food Programme. Each machine has a storage capacity of approximately 2,500 kg and is equipped with an automated rice-loading and dispensing mechanism. The prescribed quantity of rice is released after successful biometric authentication, strengthening monitoring and reducing the scope for irregularities in distribution.
The initiative is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of the ration distribution system while offering beneficiaries greater convenience and dignity in accessing their entitlements.
World Food Programme representative Nazino Hashimoni congratulated the state government on the initiative and described the Grain ATM project as an important step towards establishing a more transparent and effective PDS.
Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, former Assembly Speaker Premprakash Pandey, MLA Moti Lal Sahu, Food Department Director Dr Fariha Alam, Civil Supplies Corporation Managing Director Iffat Ara and Additional Director Neelima Elma, along with local public representatives and beneficiaries, were present during the inauguration.
The state government said the introduction of Grain ATMs is part of its broader efforts to leverage technology and innovation to strengthen food security and make public welfare delivery more efficient and accessible.
