JAN POSHAN KENDRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy launched pilot for transformation of 60 Fair Price Shops into Jan Poshan Kendra.

Jan Poshan Kendra

• About: The initiative will boost FPS dealers' incomes by offering additional revenue streams through a broader range of products, addressing financial concerns.
• Focus: The Jan Poshan Kendras will dedicate 50% of their space to nutrition-rich products and the rest to other household items, ensuring a steady supply of essential foods.
• Features: 

o FPS Sahay Application: The FPS Sahay app provides paperless, presence-less, collateral-free financing to FPS dealers, facilitating smoother financial transactions.

ü The initiative will see the transformation of 15 FPS each in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Jaipur (Rajasthan), and Hyderabad (Telangana) into Jan Poshan Kendras.

o Mera Ration App 2.0: The upgraded Mera Ration App enhances service delivery and user experience, allowing seamless access to ration services across states.

o Quality Management Systems: QMS will monitor transactions in real-time during procurement, storage, and distribution to ensure quality control.

o Quality Manual Handbook: It has been introduced to detail procedures, standards, and policies for rigorous quality management.

• Socio-Economic Impact: Jan Poshan Kendras will address nutritional deficiencies and improve health outcomes, fostering economic resilience and social well-being, especially in underserved areas.
• Implications: The initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to PDS reform and aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, potentially influencing public support and perceptions of the current administration.