About Grain ATM
A Grain ATM (often called "Annapurti") is an automated machine designed to dispense grains to beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India.
Here are the key points about it:

• Functionality: It works like a bank ATM, but instead of cash, it dispenses a pre-determined quantity of grains (like wheat or rice) to eligible ration cardholders.
• Purpose: The main aim is to ensure food security, transparency, and efficiency in the PDS. It helps eliminate long queues and reduces the possibility of leakage or short measurement of grains by Fair Price Shop dealers.
• Access: Beneficiaries can typically access their grain entitlement using their ration card and biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scan (Aadhaar enabled Public Distribution System - AePDS).
• Development: The "Annapurti" grain ATM was designed and developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India in collaboration with government bodies.
• Pioneer Locations: The first Grain ATM in India was reportedly set up in Gurugram, Haryana, and later in other states like Odisha (Bhubaneshwar) and Gujarat (Bhavnagar).
• Universal Access: The system is often designed to provide universal access, meaning anyone with a valid PDS ration card in India can access their entitlement, regardless of the State or Union Territory where the card was issued.

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