Nation’s maiden ‘Grain ATM’ in Gurugram

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, July 14

The country’s first ‘Grain ATM’ has been set up as a pilot project in Gurugram. It is an automatic machine, which works just like a bank ATM.

This machine has been installed under the ‘World Food Programme’ of the United Nations (UN), and is called the ‘Automated, Multi Commodity, Grain Dispensing Machine’.

Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, who also holds the portfolio of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, on Wednesday said this would not only benefit the consumers, but would also end the hassle regarding shortage of food grains at government depots and would bring more transparency in the public food distribution system than before.

After the successful completion of this pilot project at Farrukhnagar in Gurugram district, there is a plan to install these food supply machines at government depots across the state.

This automatic machine is equipped with biometric system with a touch screen, where the beneficiary will have to enter the Aadhaar or ration card unique number. On biometric authentication, the foodgrain prescribed by the government to the beneficiaries will be automatically filled in the bags installed under the machine.

Three types of grains — wheat, rice and millet — can be distributed through this machine. At present, the distribution of wheat has been started from the ‘Grain ATM’ machine installed at Farrukhnagar.

Equipped with biometric system

• This automatic machine is equipped with biometric system with a touch screen, where the beneficiary will have to enter Aadhaar or ration card unique number
• On biometric authentication, foodgrain prescribed by the government to beneficiaries will be automatically filled in bags installed under the machine
• Three types of grains — wheat, rice and millet — can be distributed via this ATM