Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched three major digital platforms- Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata, to enhance transparency, efficiency, and grievance redressal mechanisms in India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). The initiative covers over 5.38 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) and benefits more than 81 crore people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Key Highlights
| Platform | Purpose | Target Users |
| Depot Darpan | Digitally monitor & assess FCI and CWC depots | FCI & CWC depot officials |
| Anna Mitra | Mobile app to assist FPS operations & inspections | FPS owners, DFSO officers, Food Inspectors |
| Anna Sahayata | Grievance redressal platform for beneficiaries | Citizens / PMGKAY beneficiaries |
- Aligns with Digital India Mission: These apps aim to digitize and streamline the PDS ecosystem, improving efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric service delivery.
- Promotes real-time monitoring, efficient warehouse usage, and data-driven decisions.
- Will be rolled out nationwide after pilot implementation.
- The initiative is a step forward in leveraging e-governance and technology in ensuring food security and better public service delivery under schemes like NFSA (National Food Security Act).
1. Depot Darpan Portal
Purpose: Digital monitoring and self-assessment of Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) depots.
Key Features:
- Composite rating based on 60:40 ratio (Operational Performance : Infrastructure Standards).
- Integrates IoT sensors, CCTV surveillance, and live video feeds.
- Encourages smart warehouse practices and five-star grading system.
- Potential to:
- Save ₹275 crore in FCI depots.
- Increase revenue by ₹140 crore in CWC warehouses.
- Funding Allocated:
- ₹1000 crore to FCI
- ₹280 crore to CWC
- Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
2. Anna Mitra Mobile App
Purpose: Empower FPS owners and officials with real-time operational data access.
Target Users:
- Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers: View stock receipts and monthly sales data.
- District Food & Supply Officers (DFSO): Track performance, manage grievances.
- Food Inspectors: Conduct geo-tagged inspections, verify distributions.
Benefits:
- Improves coordination and transparency.
- Displays official circulars, inspection data, and communications on the app.
- Being piloted in: Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab.
3. Anna Sahayata Grievance Redressal System
Purpose: Simplify grievance lodging for PMGKAY beneficiaries.
Features:
- Uses WhatsApp, IVRS, and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for ease of use.
- Designed to be citizen-centric and digitally accessible.
Pilot States:
- Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh
Benefits:
- Enhances accountability and feedback mechanism in food distribution.
- Supports paperless, contactless grievance redressal.
Strategic Importance
- Improves delivery of subsidized food grains to over 81 crore people.
- Drives digitization in food security administration.
- Reduces corruption, leakages, and manual errors in PDS logistics.
- Enhances monitoring of food movement from depot to beneficiary.