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Amit Shah Launches India's First CBDC-Based Ration System in Gujarat

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The pilot phase covers over 26,000 families across Ahmedabad, Surat, Anand, and Valsad, using QR codes and Aadhaar-based OTPs for authentication. The launch also featured an 'Annapurti Grain ATM' capable of dispensing 25 kg of grain in 35 seconds and the introduction of standardized one kg packs for pulses. The event included the signing of MOUs for a Consumer Responsibility Index and the launch of a malnutrition alleviation campaign in Narmada district.

Key Points: India's First CBDC-Based Public Distribution System Launched

  • First CBDC-based PDS in India
  • Digital tokens for subsidies via RBI platform
  • Covers 26,333 families in pilot phase
  • Annapurti Grain ATM dispenses 25kg in 35s
2 min read

HM Amit Shah to inaugurate India's first CBDC-based public distribution system in Gujarat today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates India's first CBDC-based PDS in Gujarat, introducing digital subsidy transfers and grain ATMs.

"The system has been developed by the Punjab National Bank and will provide beneficiaries with digital tokens in their wallets - Official Release"

New Delhi, Feb 15

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate India's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System on Sunday at the Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat's Gandhinagar.

The initiative, undertaken by the Gujarat Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, introduces subsidy transfers through the Reserve Bank of India-authorised CBDC platform.

The system has been developed by the Punjab National Bank and will provide beneficiaries with digital tokens in their wallets containing details of the commodity, quantity and price.

Under the pilot phase, 26,333 families in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad, as well as in Surat, Anand and Valsad, have been covered.

Beneficiaries using smartphones will authenticate transactions through QR codes, while those with feature phones will receive one-time passwords under an Aadhaar-based verification system.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will attend the launch.

In addition to the CBDC-based system, the state government will introduce distribution of tur and chana in standardised one kg sealed packs for National Food Security Act beneficiaries, replacing loose distribution to maintain quality standards.

An 'Annapurti Grain ATM' will also be launched in the Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad.

Designed to function round the clock, the machine can dispense up to 25 kg of grain within 35 seconds.

The state will also sign memoranda of understanding with Care Rating and the Consumer Education and Research Centre to introduce a Consumer Responsibility Index for rating companies.

A conciliation and pre-litigation mechanism aimed at facilitating faster, out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes will be established.

Separately, under the 'Garima Poshan - Suposhit Garudeshwar Taluka' campaign, Rs 1.65 crore from the CSR funds of Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited will be allocated to efforts to address malnutrition in Garudeshwar taluka of Narmada district.

The project includes the establishment of two model anganwadis and targeted health interventions for adolescent girls and pregnant women.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but my main concern is for our elders and those in rural areas who are not tech-savvy. The Aadhaar-based OTP for feature phones is a good start, but we need massive digital literacy campaigns alongside such launches. Implementation is key.
A
Arjun K
Finally moving away from loose grains! The 1 kg sealed packs for tur and chana will ensure quality and hygiene. This was long overdue. The Consumer Responsibility Index also sounds promising to hold companies accountable. Gujarat leading the way as usual.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see India embracing CBDC for social welfare. The focus on malnutrition in Garudeshwar taluka through CSR funds is a very targeted and needed intervention. Hope the model anganwadis make a real difference for mothers and children.
V
Vikram M
While the tech is impressive, I hope the system is robust and doesn't fail during peak times or for people with network issues. Also, 26,333 families is a very small pilot. Let's see how it scales. The conciliation mechanism for disputes is a good add-on.
K
Kavya N
This is a welcome move for transparency. No more waiting in long lines only to be told the stock is over or getting poor quality grains. 25 kg in 35 seconds from the ATM is amazing! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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