Daily Current Affairs : 6-December-2024
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has recently launched two key initiatives aimed at modernizing India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). These tools—the ‘Anna Chakra’ and the SCAN Portal (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA)—are designed to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and improve transparency in the distribution of essential goods across the country.
About Anna Chakra: Optimizing PDS Supply Chain
Anna Chakra is a state-of-the-art tool developed to optimize the logistics of the Public Distribution System. Its primary goal is to improve the efficiency of PDS supply chains by reducing costs and ensuring the timely delivery of essential commodities. Key features of Anna Chakra include:
- Logistics Optimization: The tool uses advanced algorithms to streamline delivery routes, making transportation more efficient and reducing operational costs.
- Environmental Impact: By optimizing routes, Anna Chakra also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.
- Seamless Integration: It works in coordination with the Food Operations Information System (FOIS) of Indian Railways and the PM Gati Shakti platform, which ensures smoother coordination for interstate PDS movements.
- Geo-Tracking: Anna Chakra helps in managing geographically located Fair Price Shops (FPS) and warehouses, ensuring better planning and monitoring of resources across 30 states.
About SCAN Portal: Streamlining Subsidy Claims
The SCAN Portal is another critical tool launched to simplify the subsidy claim process under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The portal acts as a single-window platform for submitting and processing subsidy claims. Key features of the SCAN Portal include:
- Simplified Submission: States can easily submit subsidy claims through the portal, reducing paperwork and processing time.
- Automated Processing: The portal automates the entire workflow, ensuring that claims are scrutinized and settled quickly and accurately.
- Transparency and Accuracy: Rule-based processing ensures that all claims are handled with transparency and minimal errors.
- Faster Claim Settlement: The automation and improved workflows speed up the approval and settlement of subsidy claims, benefitting both the states and the people.
Important Points:
Anna Chakra (PDS Supply Chain Optimization Tool):
- Purpose: Optimize logistics in the Public Distribution System (PDS) for better efficiency and cost reduction.
- Key Features:
- Advanced algorithms for route optimization across 30 states.
- Integration with Indian Railways’ FOIS and PM Gati Shakti platform for seamless logistics.
- Geo-location tracking for Fair Price Shops (FPSs) and warehouses.
- Reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint.
SCAN Portal (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA):
- Purpose: Streamline and automate the subsidy claim process under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- Key Features:
- Single-window platform for easy submission of subsidy claims.
- End-to-end workflow automation for faster processing and settlement.
- Rule-based processing to ensure accuracy, transparency, and minimal errors.
- Facilitates quicker scrutiny, approval, and settlement of claims.
Overall Impact:
- Anna Chakra: Enhances PDS logistics, reduces costs, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods.
- SCAN Portal: Speeds up subsidy claim settlements, improves transparency, and reduces administrative delays.
Why In News
The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched ‘Anna Chakra,’ a PDS Supply Chain Optimization Tool, and the SCAN Portal (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA), with the aim of modernizing India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) and streamlining subsidy claim processes, thereby enhancing efficiency, transparency, and reducing operational costs. These initiatives are expected to revolutionize the way essential commodities are distributed and subsidies are processed across the country.
MCQs about Anna Chakra and SCAN Portal
-
What is the primary goal of the ‘Anna Chakra’ tool?
A. To improve the quality of food distributed through the PDS
B. To optimize the logistics and reduce costs in the PDS supply chain
C. To increase the number of Fair Price Shops (FPS) in India
D. To monitor the nutritional value of food items in the PDS
-
What is the purpose of the SCAN Portal?
A. To track the movement of food grains across the country
B. To streamline subsidy claims under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)
C. To distribute food directly to consumers
D. To monitor food quality in the PDS system
-
Which of the following is a key feature of the ‘Anna Chakra’ tool?
A. It facilitates the direct distribution of food grains to beneficiaries
B. It uses advanced algorithms for route optimization across 30 states
C. It provides real-time tracking of subsidy claims
D. It allows consumers to rate the quality of food distributed through PDS
-
How does the SCAN Portal ensure the accuracy and transparency of subsidy claims?
A. By manually checking each claim before approval
B. Through rule-based processing and automated workflows
C. By involving local government officials in the approval process
D. By limiting the number of claims that can be submitted
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
