FROM RATION CARDS TO DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION ASSESSING CONSUMERS EXPERIENCES WITH THE DIGITAL PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

PDS is one of the largest food security systems in the world of India. The Project has recently gained traction from paper verification to digital, eliminating the need for paper credentials. This study explores the effects of the e-PDS on distribution issues, the transparency of the system and recipients experience. The key technical components that are assessed for overall public accessibility and service execution are Smart Ration Cards, Biometric Verification with National Identity Database, Electronic Point of Sale (e-POS) devices and the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) framework. The use of digital technology has reduced the counterfeit production and stock leak, but the field data from 120 cardholders has helped reduce these problems. It shows there are problems in operations across the commercial in Tamil Nadu. The field data collected from 120 card holders across the commercial hubs in Tamil Nadu reveals there are challenges in operation while the use of digital technology has helped minimise counterfeiting production and leak stock the company’s director of business development. Last-mile delivery can be challenged because of unreliable biometric reading connectivity and technical know-how. These results stress the need of a balanced services delivery, with a robust offline backup service with effective and timely electronic tracking to maintain a balance between system performance and social justice.