Editor’s Note
The launch of ‘Anna Chakra’ and the SCAN portal marks a pivotal move to enhance efficiency and transparency in India’s Public Distribution System, aiming to streamline subsidy claims and optimize the food supply chain for millions.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched ‘Anna Chakra’ and the SCAN (Subsidy Claim Application for National Food Security Act) portal, a significant step towards modernizing India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) and subsidy claim mechanism.
To enhance the efficiency of the PDS logistics network across India and ensure seamless supply of food grains.
It was developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT-Delhi. It uses advanced algorithms to identify optimal routes for food grain transportation.
The world’s largest food security program, benefiting 81 crore people.
Estimated annual savings of ₹250 crore. Reduction of 58 crore quintal-kilometers (QKM).
Reduced carbon footprint due to lower emissions. Savings in fuel consumption and logistics costs.
Covers 30 states, 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPS), and approximately 6,700 warehouses.
Connected via the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) with FOIS (Freight Operations Information System). Integrated with the PM GatiShakti platform, which includes the geographical locations of FPS and warehouses.
Supports all stakeholders from farmers to FPS operators. Ensures timely delivery of food grains across the country.
To simplify the subsidy claim process under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Single-window submission for subsidy claims by states. End-to-end workflow automation for claim scrutiny, approval, and settlement. Rule-based processing for efficient subsidy distribution.
Expedites the process of food subsidy settlement. Increases transparency and accountability in subsidy distribution.