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India makes major strides in public distribution system in 2025
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Wednesday, 07 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) recently released its Year-End Review for 2025, highlighting transformative changes in India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). The review underscores a strong focus on transparency, digitisation, grievance resolution and portability of benefits across states.
One of the most significant accomplishments in 2025 was the completion of 100% digitisation of ration cards and beneficiary data under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Almost 20.55 crore ration cards covering around 79.8 crore beneficiaries are now available on state/UT transparency portals, enabling real-time tracking and accountability. Aadhaar seeding of ration cards has reached over 99.9%, ensuring accurate identity verification and minimising duplication.
The review also noted that nearly 99.8% of fair price shops (FPSs) nationwide are equipped with electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices, which record transactions digitally and help deliver subsidised food grains efficiently. Moreover, over 98% of food grain distributions have been authenticated through biometric/Aadhaar verification, significantly reducing leakages and increasing beneficiary trust in the system.
A key innovation introduced in 2025 was ASHA an AI-driven citizen engagement and grievance redressal platform launched under the IndiaAI Mission. Using advanced natural-language processing via Bhashini, WhatsApp and IVRS interfaces, ASHA captures beneficiary feedback post ration distribution, performs sentiment analysis and auto-routes complaints for swift resolution.
The Year-End Review reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening food security while incorporating cutting-edge digital governance tools that enhance transparency, reduce waste and empower beneficiaries in one of the world’s largest social safety nets.
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