Digital ration card option in TN: No physical card needed to draw essential commodities
In a move aimed at simplifying access to essential commodities, Tamil Nadu Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P. Venkataramanan announced in the State Assembly on Thursday that cardholders can now draw their rations from fair price shops without producing the original smart card. Instead, a digital copy of the card or the family card number along with biometric authentication will be sufficient.
The announcement marks a significant change in the state's Public Distribution System (PDS), which has traditionally required beneficiaries to present physical cards at designated fair price shops. The Minister clarified that cardholders are no longer tied to a specific outlet. "Suppose someone is travelling, they can draw their essential goods from a shop in the vicinity," he said, underscoring the government's intention to offer greater flexibility and convenience to the public.
However, the new system may face practical challenges in regions with poor connectivity. Legislators S. Kamaraj (Mannargudi) and K. Karthikeyan (Kallakurichi) raised concerns about the reliance on internet-enabled devices at fair price shops in remote, hilly areas. Mr. Karthikeyan noted that scanning devices frequently lag in the Kalvaroyan Hills, where nearly a quarter of his constituency's population resides. In response, Mr. Kamaraj asked whether the Department could revert to the traditional method of issuing bills in such locations, ensuring that residents without reliable network access are not left out.
In addition to the digital ration card initiative, the Minister outlined a series of measures to strengthen the state's food grain storage infrastructure. He announced that 15 godowns would be constructed across 13 districts at a total cost of ₹81.60 crore. These modern facilities, to be operated by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, will have a combined capacity of 31,000 tonnes. The godowns are planned in districts including Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Salem, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Karur, Coimbatore, Thenkasi, Sivagangai, and Namakkal. Each facility will be equipped with drinking water and toilet facilities for staff, reflecting the government's attention to working conditions.
Furthermore, Mr. Venkataramanan announced the construction of three modern godowns at the existing premises of the Tamil Nadu Warehouse Corporation in Ariyalur, Namakkal, and Mettupalayam. This project, costing ₹13.50 crore, will add a combined storage capacity of 3,400 tonnes. The government has also allocated ₹12.61 crore for maintenance of 17 existing godowns belonging to the corporation, ensuring that these storage facilities remain in good condition.
The Minister also disclosed that lands belonging to the Dharmapuram Aadheenam are being utilised to create additional storage space for food grains. This move is likely to ease pressure on existing facilities and enhance the state's ability to handle surplus procurement.
In a separate development aimed at protecting farmers from exploitation, Mr. Venkataramanan said that steps would be taken to prevent loaders from collecting ₹50 per bag of paddy at direct procurement centres. This practice, which has reportedly been a source of grievance among farmers, will now be addressed through appropriate action, ensuring that farmers receive fair treatment during procurement operations.
The announcements reflect the government's broader efforts to modernise the PDS and improve logistical infrastructure. By allowing digital alternatives to physical cards and investing in storage capacity, the state aims to make essential commodities more accessible to citizens, particularly those in remote areas, while also safeguarding the interests of farmers.
