Context:
Recently, India’s first round-the-clock grain ATM was opened at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Grain ATM
- Name and Development: Known as Annapurti Grain ATM, this device is a creation of the World Food Programme in India.
- Accessibility: The machine offers universal access to individuals holding a Public Distribution System ration card valid anywhere in India, enabling them to obtain their entitled grain portions.
Functionality and Design
- Dispensing Capability: Annapurti can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in just five minutes and operates around the clock, thereby reducing wait times by approximately 70%.
- Technology: This automated system handles multiple commodities like rice, wheat, and other grains, available to users after biometric verification.
- Design Features: Featuring a modular design, Annapurti is adaptable to various spatial configurations and is energy-efficient. It can also integrate with solar panels for automatic refilling.
Advantages of Annapurti Grain ATM
- Queue Reduction: It significantly cuts down the long lines typically seen at traditional grain distribution centers.
- Security and Accuracy: The system reduces theft and black marketing, ensures precise measurements, and minimizes potential fraud.
- Constant Availability: Provides 24/7 access to essential grains, dramatically enhancing convenience and reducing waiting times by 70%.
-Source: Business Standards
