Lucknow,

02 Jan (HS): In Uttar Pradesh, the GPS-based tracking system has emerged as a

game changer in making the Public Distribution System free from theft, leakage,

and irregularities. Through more than 5,000 vehicles, the movement of

foodgrains from depots to Fair Price Shops is now under complete digital

surveillance. With the implementation of the Single Stage Door Step Delivery

system along with GPS tracking, every sack of foodgrain is being monitored,

resulting in a decisive curb on theft and black marketing.

More

than 5,000 vehicles engaged in foodgrain lifting across the state have been

equipped with GPS devices. This enables real-time tracking of transportation

from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots to Fair Price Shops. Details such

as vehicle movement, stoppages, route deviations, and timely arrival are

continuously recorded in the control system. This has led to a significant

reduction in diversion, manipulation, and black marketing of foodgrains during

transit.

During

the Kharif Marketing Season 2025–26, GPS tracking has been made mandatory for

paddy transportation. Across all districts, 3,773 vehicles used for transporting

paddy from procurement centres to rice mills have been fitted with GPS devices.

In addition, 1,428 vehicles used for transporting coarse grains such as maize,

jowar, and bajra have also been integrated with GPS tracking. This has ensured

transparency across the entire supply chain—from government procurement to

storage depots.

The

state has discontinued the block-level godown system and implemented the Single

Stage Door Step Delivery model. Under this arrangement, foodgrains are

transported directly from FCI depots to Fair Price Shops. The entire process is

executed through contractors appointed via e-tendering, reducing human

intervention and ensuring accountability. Combined with GPS tracking, this

model has become the backbone of transparency in the Public Distribution

System.

So

far in the financial year 2025–26, a total of 8.03 lakh metric tonnes of

foodgrains and coarse grains have been allocated to selected beneficiaries. In

the same financial year, 36,850.35 metric tonnes of sugar have been allocated

for Antyodaya beneficiaries. GPS-based monitoring ensures that these

commodities reach beneficiaries on time, without theft or quantity cuts.

The

Yogi Adityanath government has conveyed a clear message that government

foodgrains will no longer go missing during transit. With technology-driven

monitoring, enhanced accountability, and transparency, Uttar Pradesh has

demonstrated that longstanding challenges like foodgrain theft can be

eliminated through strong intent and smart systems.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi