India's First Round-the-Clock Grain ATM Opened at Mancheswar in Odisha

In August, India's first round-the-clock grain ATM ( Annapurti ) was inaugurated at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This initiative aims to provide convenient and efficient access to essential food grains for beneficiaries.

Inauguration Details:

1. Location: Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
2. Inaugurated by: Odisha Minister for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare.
3. Present at the Event: Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme in India.

Key Features of Annapurti Grain ATM:

Feature	Details
24/7 Access	The ATM will dispense rice/wheat around the clock. Reduces waiting time by 70%.
Capacity and Speed	Can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in five minutes. Error rate of 0.01%.
Biometric Authentication	Beneficiaries can access their entitled grain by inputting their Aadhar or Ration card number and undergoing biometric authentication.
Energy Efficiency	Consumes only 0.6 Watts per hour. Can be connected to solar panels for automatic refilling.
Modular Design	Allows easy assembly based on available space.

Benefits of Annapurti Grain ATM:

1. Eliminates Long Queues:
   1. Reduces waiting time at traditional distribution points.
2. Reduces Theft and Black Marketing:
   1. Ensures accurate weight and prevents potential cheating.
3. Consistent Access:
   1. Provides consistent access to the full food ration post biometric authentication.
4. Universal Access:
   1. Anyone with a Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card valid in India can access their entitlement, regardless of the State and Union Territory.
5. Partnership and Objectives:
   1. The Odisha government launched this initiative in partnership with the World Food Programme to achieve nutritional security in the state.
   2. The minister emphasized that the launch of the grain ATM will stop dealers from delaying the distribution of entitled food grains to PDS beneficiaries.

About the World Food Programme

1. Organization: A branch of the United Nations that deals with hunger eradication and promotes food security worldwide.
2. Affiliation: A member of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Future Plans

1. The Annapurti Grain ATMs will be launched in all districts of Odisha.
2. The minister described the launch as a historic day, highlighting the ease and convenience of the new system.

Conclusion:

The introduction of India's first round-the-clock grain ATM marks a significant step towards enhancing food security and convenience for beneficiaries. This initiative, supported by the World Food Programme, aims to modernize the distribution of essential food grains, ensuring timely and accurate access for all.

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