Ericsson partners Odisha to build efficiencies for PDS

Ericsson announced its support to the WFP Trust for India to bring efficiencies across the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in Odisha.

TPDS scheme involves procurement, allocation, and transportation of food-grains as well as distribution amongst eligible beneficiaries.

The main aim of this partnership is to improve efficiencies in food-based safety nets for nearly 30 million food insecure people in Odisha who are the beneficiaries of this project.

Amitabh Ray, Head of Ericsson Global Services Center in India said, “The partnership has been designed to address critical issues like efficient utilisation of resources including access to food and reduced food wastage. It will enhance farmers access to government’s system for selling their produce, while enabling more transparency and better governance. This project will benefit nearly 30 million people across 6,200 Gram-Panchayats in Odisha.”

In addition to creating accountability and transparency in the TPDS system, the solution will enable efficient logistics, strengthened governance and increased support to stakeholders throughout the food value chain. As part of the project, officials at the state, district and block level as well as representatives from gram panchayats, social audit and vigilance committees will be trained on how to use the solution and monitor the overall TPDS in the state.

According to WFP Country Director for India, Dr. Hameed Nuru, “Ericsson’s support will contribute towards building efficiencies in the TPDS to not only convenience beneficiaries, but also make it easier for governments and policymakers to provide oversight and accountability–that is backed by technology and real-time data.”

In order to improve the distribution of food-grains across the country, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, in association with all States and Union Territories, is implementing a plan for end-to-end computerization of TPDS that involves digitization of beneficiary database, online allocation of food grains, computerization of supply chain management and grievance redressal mechanism and transparency portals.