Jharkhand’s first grain ATM in Jamshedpur, to become functional after Durga Puja

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand’s first automated food grain dispensing machine will become functional in Jamshedpur after Durga Puja, officials here said.Popularly known as Annapurti ATM, the automated dispenser has been set up in the block-cum-circle office in Parsudih’s Khasmahal, and its trial runs are currently underway. Technical teams are assessing its performance, including dispensing speed and operation during power outages using battery backup before formal launch.“A preliminary trial has been conducted. Further testing will continue over the next few days before the launch,” Jamshedpur block development officer (BDO) Sumit Prakash said. A power backup is being put in place to keep the facility functional during power cuts.The grain ATMs will allow ration cardholders to authenticate themselves through a biometric scanner after entering their registered mobile number. Beneficiaries can then select wheat or rice through a touchscreen interface, and the allotted quantity will be dispensed directly into their bags. The entire process is expected to take around 10 minutes.Ration cardholders from any part of East Singhbhum district can access it.The Annapurti ATM is part of a Centre-backed initiative under the World Food Programme aimed at improving transparency and convenience in the public distribution system. Thirty-two such machines have been installed across the country. In Jharkhand, two other grain ATMs are proposed in Ranchi and Dhanbad.Stay updated with the latest Ranchi news. Download the TOI App.