Govt to Invest ₹1,280 Crore in FCI, CWC Godown Upgrades: Food Minister Joshi.

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi recently unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing and digitalizing the operations of grain storage warehouses managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central Warehousing Corporations (CWC). The move is set to significantly enhance the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS).

During an event in New Delhi attended by officials from both FCI and CWC, Minister Joshi launched three key digital tools: the Depot Darpan portal, and the Anna Mitra and Anna Sahayata mobile Apps. These initiatives are designed to bring greater transparency and streamline the management of grain storage.

Highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development, Joshi announced a substantial investment. "There will be an investment of ₹1,000 crore to upgrade infrastructure of existing godowns of FCI and ₹280 crore on warehouses owned by CWC," he stated. This total investment of ₹1,280 crore underscores the focus on improving the physical as well as digital capabilities of these vital storage facilities.

The minister further emphasized the government's strategy of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to ensure a more robust and transparent PDS. "The Centre is making use of latest technologies to bring transparency, improve efficiencies and curb leakages in PDS," Joshi affirmed. He reiterated the overarching goal of these efforts: to reliably supply quality foodgrains to over 80 crore people across the country through ration shops under the National Food Security Act.