New Delhi: Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced the launch of three significant digital initiatives on Tuesday: the Depot Darpan Portal, Anna Mitra, and Anna Sahayata. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize the Public Distribution System (PDS) through advanced technology.
The introduction of these platforms represents a pivotal advancement in promoting transparency, improving infrastructure, and empowering both beneficiaries and frontline workers responsible for delivering subsidized food grains to over 810 million people under the National Food Security Act.
In his address following the launch, Minister Joshi reiterated the government’s dedication to reaching the most vulnerable segments of society. “Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach every individual, especially those who are most disadvantaged,” he stated.
Currently, more than 810 million individuals receive free food grains through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
Joshi emphasized the extensive infrastructure of India’s PDS, noting that the country boasts over 538,000 Fair Price Shops (FPS) or ration shops, creating a distribution network that surpasses the population of many countries.
He also highlighted India’s success in maintaining low inflation levels, attributing this stability to the government’s efforts to enhance nutritional security, including the distribution of fortified rice.
Referencing the recently released Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, Joshi pointed out a remarkable 50% decline in household spending on food. He attributed this positive trend to increased affordability and improved access to essential food items such as milk, eggs, pulses, and fish.
Launched Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra and Anna Sahayata at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of Hon’ble Ministers of State Shri @blvermaup ji and Smt. @Nimu_Bambhaniya ji, along with senior officials of the Department of @fooddeptgoi.
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) May 20, 2025
These platforms, launched under the… pic.twitter.com/L2exEuQBZl
These initiatives and achievements underscore the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of food security.
Depot Darpan is an innovative digital self-assessment and monitoring portal designed to empower depot officials in systematically evaluating and enhancing their operations.
This platform aims to help food grain depots achieve the highest standards of warehousing excellence by assigning a Composite Rating. This rating is based on a comprehensive evaluation of both infrastructural parameters—such as safety standards, environmental sustainability, and statutory compliance—and operational metrics, including occupancy levels, profitability, and storage efficiency, according to an official statement.
Depot Darpan integrates cutting-edge IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of environmental and inventory conditions, along with CCTV surveillance to bolster security. The platform also features live video feeds equipped with analytics, enabling informed, data-driven decision-making and fostering continuous improvement.
Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra emphasized that this initiative aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and is expected to yield measurable improvements in depot infrastructure and operational efficiency.
To facilitate this, a grading framework has been introduced that evaluates depots using a 60:40 ratio, weighing operational performance against infrastructure standards. Key metrics for assessment include storage and transit loss, space utilization, manpower efficiency, and profitability. Depots that excel will be recognized with prestigious five-star ratings. Additionally, smart warehouse technologies are currently being piloted and are anticipated to be implemented nationwide by the end of the year.
The food ministry has also launched the ‘Anna Mitra’ mobile app, which will empower key stakeholders in the Public Distribution System (PDS) with secure, real-time access to essential operational data. Furthermore, the ‘Anna Sahayata’ system has been developed as an advanced grievance redressal mechanism, aimed at enhancing accessibility, responsiveness, and transparency for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
The launch of Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra & Anna Sahayata is a significant step. As Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji says, e-governance is easy governance, effective governance and economic governance.
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) May 20, 2025
These tools will help modernize agricultural infrastructure and PDS by bringing… pic.twitter.com/PCTbS2Ov94
Currently, the Anna Mitra system operates in four states—Assam, Uttarakhand, Tripura, and Punjab—and is available in two languages: Hindi and English. In contrast, Anna Sahayata is in its pilot phase, covering five states—Gujarat, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh—and offers support in five languages: Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Bangla, and English.
Ultimately, both systems are set to be implemented across all states and Union Territories, with plans for seamless integration into state-specific systems. This initiative aims to ensure that all beneficiaries have access to effective and efficient grievance resolution mechanisms.
About the Author
