Smart Ration Card Distribution System Using RFID

Abstract

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is an important initiative undertaken by the government aimed at ensuring food security for the economically weaker sections of the population. However, the traditional approach of ration distribution faces various problems, including inefficiencies in the process, the involvement of corruption, lack of transparency, and the issuance of duplicate ration cards. To overcome the problems associated with the traditional approach, this research focuses on the implementation of the Smart Ration Card Distribution System through the application of RFID technology. The traditional ration card would be replaced by an RFID card, which would be unique for each beneficiary. The RFID card would be connected with the centralised database, where the details of the users would be stored, including family size, eligibility, and quota for the month. When the beneficiary presents the RFID card at the ration shop, the amount of ration that he/she is supposed to receive would be automatically calculated, ensuring the accuracy of the transaction. The proposed Smart Ration Card Distribution System would be advantageous in terms of the increased efficiency of the PDS, ensuring transparency in the entire process, and improving the functioning of the PDS. The present paper provides an in-depth understanding of the entire concept, including the system’s architecture, the process, implementation, advantages, disadvantages, and future improvements. The system was tested experimentally, and results showed significant improvement in efficiency, accuracy, and reduction in transaction time.