Union Minister Says Tech Upgrades on Public Distribution Systems
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi introduced a series of digital initiatives designed to modernize warehousing functions, boost supply chain efficiency, and increase transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS). Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, led the launch and emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives to promote digital transformation in the food and public distribution area.
On the occasion, Pralhad Joshi stated that these initiatives align with the Government's goal of lowering logistics expenses and shortening turnaround time, which is a crucial national priority highlighted by the Prime Minister. He mentioned that the PM Gati Shakti initiative has harmonized various transportation methods and established the groundwork for a unified logistics network. He mentioned that it is the leadership's credibility, along with policy stability and continuity, that fosters trust among the citizens. In accordance with this vision, digital platforms such as Bhandaran 360 will enhance supply chain efficiency across the country, and technology will improve transparency in service provision.
He mentioned that enhanced collaboration among stakeholders within the Department of Food and Public Distribution, backed by AI-powered systems, will guarantee that subsidized food grains are delivered to the most disadvantaged households with increased precision, efficiency, and respect.
Highlighting the importance of technology, the Union Minister stated that the individual behind the technology must also engage their mind with feelings such as compassion to ensure effective and transparent service provision to those in greatest need
At the heart of this change is the new ERP platform ‘Bhandaran 360’ from Central Warehousing Corporation, developed on SAP S/4HANA. Executed ahead of timeline, the system encompasses 41 modules addressing HR, finance, marketing, warehouse management, contract management, project monitoring, and additional essential functions. It is connected to 35 external systems, such as ICEGATE, port systems, FCI, NAFED, NCCF, and WDRA, facilitating smooth digital integration within the food storage and transportation network.
The enhanced platform introduces various new functionalities, including a lead and marketing management module, integrated HRMS, project planning, SAP FICO, intelligent material management, biometric and geo-tagged attendance, a mobile application for measurement books, and improved contract oversight.
These improvements unify operations throughout all CWC warehouses and enable quicker growth, enhanced service quality, and increased accountability. It facilitates business operations and improves living conditions for farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, traders, MSMEs, and large enterprises, including e-commerce companies.
Under Digital Transformation 2.0, CWC has additionally launched the Smart EXIM Warehouse System for container freight stations (CFS/ICD) and general storage facilities. This system employs AI, IoT, FASTag, OCR/ANPR, GNSS, and various technologies to streamline essential processes.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has launched ANNA DARPAN, a modern microservices-driven platform that supersedes the current Depot Online System. ANNA DARPAN unifies essential functions like purchasing, warehousing, transportation, sales, quality control, workforce management, and contract oversight within a single cohesive system. It acts as a comprehensive, singular source of truth for FCI and DFPD.