In a pioneering move to revolutionize food distribution and strengthen public welfare, the Odisha Government has launched India’s First Rice ATM, marking a significant step towards automation, transparency, and dignity in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The Rice ATM—an automated, touch-enabled machine that dispenses rice similar to a bank ATM—has been installed in Bhubaneswar as a pilot project under the state’s efforts to modernize ration delivery and eliminate manual inefficiencies. The initiative ensures 24/7 access to subsidized rice for ration card holders, using biometric authentication such as Aadhaar-linked fingerprint or iris scans.
Each beneficiary can now receive their allotted quantity of rice with ease, without long queues, delays, or human error. The machine is programmed to dispense precise quantities, maintain digital records, and send instant receipts to users.
Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister stated, “This Rice ATM symbolizes a shift toward smart governance. It protects the rights of beneficiaries while upholding the transparency and efficiency that every welfare scheme should aim for.”
Developed in collaboration with tech partners and supported by the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Rice ATM is being hailed as a model for other states to replicate. Plans are underway to roll out more such machines in urban and semi-urban areas across Odisha in the coming months.
This breakthrough initiative not only supports food security but also empowers citizens with dignity, convenience, and trust in public service delivery—ushering in a new era of innovation in India’s welfare ecosystem.
