Gujarat Deploys GPS, 7,000 CCTV Cameras to Track Grain Distribution Network

Gujarat's Grain Distribution Network Goes Digital

Gandhinagar, September 1: Gujarat is modernising its public distribution system by bringing 250 warehouses and around 17,000 Pandit Deendayal Grahak Bhandar (fair price shops) under a digital tracking system. The Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd (GSCSCL), a state government joint venture, has introduced an ICT Logistics Software system to digitise supply chain operations, as reported by ANI and Lokmat Times.

The system, developed under the guidance of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramanbhai Solanki, facilitates real-time tracking of vehicles transporting supplies from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots to state warehouses and then to fair price shops, according to reports citing officials at the Chief Minister's Office.

Technology in Action

Vehicles in the distribution network are equipped with GPS and machine learning-based route optimisation. The system automatically generates alerts if a vehicle deviates from its designated route or if the GPS connection is lost. At warehouses and fair price shops, geofencing and Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD) are used to verify that consignments reach their intended destinations.

Monitoring is centralised through a Command-and-Control Centre at the GSCSCL headquarters, where officials can track suspicious activities continuously. Around 7,000 CCTV cameras, including Bullet, Dome, PTZ and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) types, have been installed at warehouses to enhance security. An advanced Video Wall system enables live viewing of camera feeds at warehouses, district offices, and the Command-and-Control Centre.

Digital Portals and Farmer Procurement

The Public Distribution System (PDS) portal provides live warehouse stock information and generates daily, weekly and monthly dashboard reports. The portal is integrated with the FCI's 'Anna Darpan' portal, a digital platform used by the Food Corporation of India.

Additionally, the Farmer Procurement Portal (FPP) digitises the procurement of grains from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Registration and procurement are verified using Aadhaar details, bank accounts, and land ownership documents, ensuring transparency in the process. Farmers are informed via SMS at each stage of the procurement process, according to reports.