MP ration shops to become ‘Chief Minister Poshan Marts’:Minister Govind Singh Rajput says, ‘Grocery and daily-use items will also be available’

In a major reform of the Public Distribution System (PDS), ration shops in Madhya Pradesh will be transformed into ‘Chief Minister Poshan Marts’, where beneficiaries will be able to purchase grocery and general store items along with subsidised food grains. State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput said this initiative is being planned for the first time in the state to make ration shops more useful and accessible for people, especially in rural areas. From limited grains to full-service stores At present, ration shops in the state mainly provide wheat, rice and sugar. The government now aims to expand their scope by offering essential grocery and daily-use items, similar to community or social stores seen in developed countries. “The idea is that people should be able to get all essential items at one place,” the minister said, adding that this would save time, money and effort for beneficiaries, particularly those living in villages. Major benefits for rural population Once developed as Chief Minister Poshan Marts, ration shops will reduce the need for villagers to travel to distant markets for small household needs. The initiative is expected to benefit both beneficiaries and ration shop operators, as increased sales will boost shopkeepers’ income and strengthen the PDS network. The scheme will be implemented in phases. Achievements under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana Addressing a programme in Bhopal, Minister Rajput highlighted that over the past two years, food grains worth Rs 22,800 crore have been distributed free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. He said technology-driven systems have improved transparency and made distribution smoother, ensuring that no eligible family is deprived of food grains. ‘CM Anna Jagrukta Seva Abhiyan’ to curb irregularities To eliminate irregularities at ration shops, the government has launched the Chief Minister Anna Awareness Service Campaign. Under this, a special mobile app has been developed. Beneficiaries receive SMS alerts as soon as ration vehicles reach shops, allowing them to collect supplies on time. The real-time tracking system allows beneficiaries, shopkeepers and transporters to monitor vehicle movement, reducing the chances of malpractice. Ration beneficiary lists to be read in Gram Sabhas To enhance transparency, the government has started public reading of ration beneficiary lists in Gram Sabhas twice a year. These readings will disclose how many people are receiving ration, how many are deprived, and how many eligible families still lack ration cards. The minister described this as a form of social audit to ensure accountability at the grassroots level. Massive e-KYC drive and face authentication The state has conducted a large-scale e-KYC campaign, completing verification for over 17 million beneficiaries so far. Face authentication through the ‘Mera e-KYC App’ has also been introduced. Senior citizens above 80 years and persons with disabilities have been exempted from e-KYC to prevent exclusion due to technical issues. Nominee system for elderly and specially-abled To address issues faced by elderly and specially-abled beneficiaries whose fingerprints often fail to authenticate, the government has introduced a nominee system. Beneficiaries can now nominate a person to collect rations on their behalf. 14 lakh new ration cards issued So far, 14 lakh new ration cards have been issued in the state, with the process still ongoing. Eligible individuals who were previously left out can complete KYC and obtain ration cards to come under food security coverage. Relief to migrants under One Nation–One Ration Card The One Nation–One Ration Card scheme has provided significant relief to migrant workers. Around 39,000 families from other states currently avail ration in Madhya Pradesh each month, while about 5,000 MP families are receiving free ration while working in other states. Gas subsidy under Ladli Behna Scheme Under the Ladli Behna and Ujjwala schemes, 6.7 crore gas cylinder refills have been provided in the last two years, with a subsidy of Rs 911 crore from the state government. The minister reiterated that beneficiaries will continue to receive LPG cylinders at Rs 450, with the remaining cost borne by the government. Pipeline gas in urban areas Efforts are underway to supply piped natural gas to urban households. While acknowledging delays, the minister said a single-window system has now been introduced. The target has been extended from 2023 to 2028, with the goal of covering all municipal areas. ‘Aapka Ration Aapke Dwar’ for tribal areas The ‘Aapka Ration Aapke Dwar’ scheme has been launched in 89 tribal blocks, ensuring doorstep delivery of ration in remote areas. Following positive feedback, the government plans to expand the scheme statewide. Procurement at MSP benefits farmers The minister said crops from 28 lakh farmers have been procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP), with payments totalling Rs 51,000 crore. Wheat has been purchased at ₹2,600 per quintal, and incentive amounts have also been given to paddy farmers. Legal metrology department action Over the last two years, the Legal Metrology Department collected Rs 49.14 crore in revenue. Inspections found irregularities in 11,700 cases, resulting in penalties worth Rs 4.5 crore. The minister said strict action will continue to protect consumer interests.