A Review About Indian Government App “Mera Ration” For Digital Ration Cards

Mera Ration is a mobile application launched by the Indian government in 2020 to digitize the Public Distribution System (PDS) and make it more efficient and transparent. The PDS is a government-run system that distributes essential food commodities, such as wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene, to eligible beneficiaries at subsidized rates. The PDS is one of the largest food security programs in the world, with around 800 million beneficiaries across India.

The Mera Ration app aims to eliminate the inefficiencies and leakages that are prevalent in the PDS by digitizing the entire process. The app allows beneficiaries to check their entitlements, locate the nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS), and track their ration distribution in real-time. The app also provides information about the prices of various commodities and the quantity of stock available at the FPS.

To use the app, beneficiaries need to register themselves using their Aadhaar number or ration card details. Once registered, they can access their entitlements and ration card details on the app. They can also update their personal details, such as mobile number and address, on the app.

One of the key features of the Mera Ration app is its integration with Point of Sale (PoS) devices installed at the FPS. PoS devices are electronic machines that authenticate the identity of the beneficiary and record the transaction. The app generates a One Time Password (OTP) that the beneficiary needs to enter at the PoS device to collect their ration. This eliminates the need for paper-based records and reduces the chances of fraud and corruption.

The Mera Ration app has been well-received by the beneficiaries and has been successful in reducing leakages and ensuring better targeting of the subsidies. The app has also made the distribution process more transparent and accountable. With the app, beneficiaries can now access their entitlements and track their ration distribution from anywhere, at any time.

However, the success of the app depends on the availability of PoS devices and internet connectivity in remote areas. In some parts of India, particularly in the rural areas, internet connectivity is still a challenge. The government is working to address this issue by providing PoS devices and setting up Common Service Centers (CSCs) in rural areas to assist beneficiaries in using the app.