The fair price shops (FPS), known as ration shops, will soon have a new name. The government has launched a pilot project to rechristen 15 FPS as ‘Jan Poshan Kendra' across Rajasthan.
These shops will provide a solution to the demand of ration dealers to raise their income level.
“The Kendras will offer a diverse range of nutrition-rich food items to consumers as well as provide an additional source of income to the FPS dealers,” said Bhaskar Sawant, principal secretary food, civil supplies and consumer affairs.
He said that the Jan Poshan Kendras will have provision for storing 50% products under the category of nutrition while the rest for keeping other household items.
As the pilot unfolds, it remains to be seen how this re-imagining of ration shops as nutrition hubs will impact both dealers and beneficiaries in the public distribution system.
“Generally people from lower income group visit ration shops. By allowing these shops to jee nutrition-rich food items, the government will reach out to people who need nutrition but don't have access quality and affordable nutrition,” said Rahul Mohnot, a marketing expert.
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