CENTRE LAUNCHES ASHA AI PLATFORM FOR PDS FEEDBACK
Introduction
- The Ministry of Food and Public Distribution launched several digital platforms to improve how ration is distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- These systems aim to: ○ Reduce corruption ○ Make distribution more transparent, and ○ Improve warehouse management.
WHAT IS ASHA?
- Full Form: Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution
- ASHA is an AI-based platform that makes automated phone calls to ration beneficiaries.
- It asks them about their ration experience, in their own regional language.
3. Purpose of ASHA
Through ASHA, ration users can share:
- Did they receive their full ration quota?
- Was the quality of rice/wheat or other grains good?
- Did they face any problem at the ration shop?
It replaces expensive call centres. ASHA operates at a low cost of about ₹5 lakh.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF ASHA
| Feature | Simple Meaning |
| Multilingual translation | Speaks many Indian languages |
| Sentiment analysis | Understands if the user is happy or upset |
| Automatic grievance categorisation | Groups complaints by type |
| Real-time dashboard | Officers can see live reports and complaints |
- ASHA currently connects to around 20 lakh ration beneficiaries every month.
- It was developed with Wadhwani Foundation, under India AI Mission, using Bhashini language tools.
OTHER DIGITAL PLATFORMS LAUNCHED
(a) Bhandaran 360
- New system by Central Warehousing Corporation.
- Manages 41 functions like HR, finance, contracts, marketing, and warehouse operations.
- Brings all warehouse work under a single digital system.
(b) Smart EXIM Warehouse System
- For container freight stations and general warehouses.
- Helps track movement of goods in and out of warehouses.
(c) ANNA DARPAN
- Replaces the old Depot Online System.
- Connects major activities like procurement, storage, transport, sales, quality checks, labour, and contracts.
- Acts as a single, unified database for both the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the ministry.
BENEFITS OF THESE INITIATIVES
- Helps in controlling corruption and ration misuse
- Improves food grain supply, storage and tracking
- Saves time and logistics cost
- Helps government respond quickly to complaints
- Builds a transparent and modern PDS system
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