Tata Trusts, UP govt join hands to strengthen PDS system

Tata Trusts have tied up with Uttar Pradesh government to leverage digital platforms to strengthen the public distribution system (PDS) in the state.

As part of the initiative, Tata Trusts have installed electronic Point of Sale devices (ePOS) to ensure operation of an Aadhaar-enabled Public Distribution System (AePDS) at fair price shops of the entire urban region of Lucknow.

"With technology at the helm, our partnership with the Government of UP aims to mobilise resources and be a catalyst of change. A change that will be experienced by generations for generations to come," Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata said in a statement.

"We hope our work towards poverty alleviation, job creation, increasing income, education and health will help create a new, Uttar Pradesh," he added.

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said it was about a year back when the state government and Tata Trusts had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in several sectors including agriculture, health, nutrition, education and migrant labour.

"The ePOS scheme is a part of this MoU with Tata Trusts," Yadav added.

Last month, the Trusts and the UP government had also announced the launch of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) to address iron and iodine deficiencies prevailing amongst the population of UP.