Cabinet meet: UP Govt sets aside Rs 179.42 cr to boost ration delivery

By | May 16, 2025

Lucknow, May 16: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved ₹179.42 crore to improve the delivery of food rations across the state. In a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, officials agreed to modernize the public distribution system (PDS) and make it more transparent and efficient.

The funds will help upgrade infrastructure, digitize ration shops, and introduce better tracking systems. These improvements aim to ensure timely delivery of food grains to eligible households and reduce corruption in the supply chain.

Key Areas of Investment

The government will use the funds in several critical areas:

  • Installing electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) devices at fair price shops.
  • Verifying beneficiaries through Aadhaar-based systems.
  • Purchasing GPS-enabled vehicles to transport food grains.
  • Training ration dealers to improve service quality.
  • Setting up real-time tracking systems for food grain movement.

These steps will benefit over 14 crore people who depend on subsidized food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

A Push Toward Transparent and Efficient Delivery

Government officials emphasized the need to fix delays, eliminate ghost beneficiaries, and plug leaks in the system. A senior official from the food and civil supplies department said this initiative will ensure that every ration grain reaches the intended person without any diversion.

The new system will use digital tools to reduce human error and improve tracking. Authorities expect this upgrade to make ration delivery faster and more reliable, especially in rural areas.

Upgrading Fair Price Shops

A portion of the funds will help convert fair price shops into model retail outlets. These upgraded outlets will offer more than just ration. They will also sell basic household goods, provide digital payment options, and even offer small-scale banking services.

This move aims to increase shopkeepers’ income and provide better services to local residents, especially in remote areas where access to basic facilities is limited.

Public Feedback and Oversight

The government plans to launch a mobile app and toll-free number so people can report problems with ration delivery. It will also strengthen local monitoring through vigilance committees. These committees will oversee shop operations and ensure fair practices.

A government spokesperson said the goal is to build a people-driven system. “Citizens will have the tools to hold dealers accountable,” he said.

Welfare Meets Strategy

This decision comes at a time when food security remains a top concern for many voters. With elections scheduled for 2027, analysts believe this step strengthens the government’s welfare narrative.

The free ration schemes rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic earned the government public support. By investing in delivery systems, the state aims to extend that goodwill and improve service at the grassroots level.

Mixed Political Reactions

While many welcomed the move, opposition parties raised concerns about its execution. The Samajwadi Party warned that poor internet access in rural areas may hinder digital upgrades. A party spokesperson also said many shopkeepers still lack training to handle digital tools.

“The plan looks good on paper, but we need strong ground-level support to make it work,” he added.

Final Thoughts

The UP government’s ₹179.42 crore investment marks a major step in modernizing the ration system. The focus on digital upgrades, better transport, and stronger public oversight could fix long-standing problems in food delivery.

If implemented well, this move can reduce corruption, speed up services, and improve trust in public welfare programs.