Ration Shops in Uttar Pradesh to Follow Bareilly Model: What Does It Mean?

Ration Shops in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued instructions to implement the Bareilly model of ration shops across the state, in order to improve the public distribution system (PDS) and provide better services to the beneficiaries. The Bareilly model is a pilot project that was launched in 2021 in the district, where 75 ration shops were converted into model shops, with facilities like public service centers.

## What is the Bareilly Model?

The Bareilly model is an initiative to modernize and digitize the ration shops, and make them more transparent and accountable. Under this model, the ration shops are equipped with electronic point of sale (ePOS) machines, biometric devices, CCTV cameras, LED screens, and internet connectivity. The ePOS machines enable online verification of beneficiaries through Aadhaar authentication, and ensure accurate and timely distribution of food grains. The biometric devices capture the fingerprints and iris scans of the beneficiaries, and prevent duplication and fraud. The CCTV cameras monitor the activities of the shopkeepers and the beneficiaries, and record any irregularities or complaints. The LED screens display the stock and price of food grains, and the entitlements and transactions of the beneficiaries.

The model shops also provide other services to the beneficiaries, such as banking, insurance, pension, electricity bill payment, mobile recharge, etc. The shopkeepers are trained to use the digital devices and software, and are paid a commission for each transaction. The model shops are also linked to a central server, where all the data is stored and monitored by the district administration.

## What are the Benefits of the Bareilly Model?

The Bareilly model has several benefits for both the government and the beneficiaries. Some of them are:

- It improves the efficiency and transparency of the PDS system, and reduces leakages and corruption.

- It ensures that only genuine and eligible beneficiaries get their food grains, and prevents diversion and black marketing.

- It saves time and money for the beneficiaries, as they do not have to travel long distances or stand in long queues to get their ration.

- It provides convenience and choice to the beneficiaries, as they can get their ration from any model shop in their area, and also avail other services at one place.

- It empowers and incentivizes the shopkeepers, as they get more income and recognition for their work.

- It generates employment opportunities for local youths, as they can work as operators or assistants at the model shops.

- It creates a database of beneficiaries and transactions, which can be used for planning and policy making.

## What are the Challenges of the Bareilly Model?

The Bareilly model also faces some challenges in its implementation and scaling up. Some of them are:

- It requires adequate infrastructure and resources, such as electricity supply, internet connectivity, ePOS machines, biometric devices, etc., which may not be available or affordable in all areas.

- It requires proper training and awareness of the shopkeepers and beneficiaries, who may not be familiar or comfortable with using digital devices or software.

- It requires regular monitoring and maintenance of the devices and software, which may malfunction or get damaged due to technical glitches or human errors.

- It requires coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders, such as government officials, shopkeepers, beneficiaries, service providers, etc., who may have different interests or expectations.

## What is the Future of the Bareilly Model?

The Bareilly model has received positive feedback from both the government and the beneficiaries. The government has decided to replicate it in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh by 2023. The government has also planned to integrate it with other schemes such as One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), which will enable portability of ration cards across states. The government has also proposed to make it a national model for PDS reform.

The Bareilly model is an innovative and ambitious attempt to transform the PDS system in Uttar Pradesh. It aims to provide better services to the beneficiaries, while ensuring accountability and transparency of the system. It also showcases how technology can be used for social welfare and development. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, as well as constant evaluation and improvement. It remains to be seen how it will perform in other districts and states, and what impact it will have on the lives of millions of poor people who depend on PDS for their food security.

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