Ration will be available even if the fingerprint scan fails; PDS fingerprint system changed..

The system for collecting rations has changed for ration card holders. They will now be relieved of the hassles associated with thumb impressions and the issues caused by fingerprint mismatches at ration shops. To make the ration distribution system (ePDS) simpler and more transparent, the government introduced a face authentication facility effective October 1st. The official announcement was made on September 29th, and the system is now operational. Under this new arrangement, if your fingerprint fails to match, verification can be completed via facial recognition, allowing you to collect your rations.

**Verification via Aadhaar Database**
To collect food grains, ration card holders typically undergo biometric verification—scanning their thumb or finger—on the e-POS machines installed at ration shops. Often, fingerprints fail to match due to network issues, technical glitches, or skin sensitivity, forcing people to return empty-handed. Under the new system, if a consumer's fingerprint does not match, the machine's camera will scan the beneficiary's face to verify their identity against the Aadhaar database.

**Greatest Relief for the Elderly and Laborers**
The elderly and laborers engaged in strenuous manual work stand to benefit the most from this new technology. Due to aging and continuous physical labor, the fingerprints of such individuals often wear down, making it difficult for machines to read them accurately. With the introduction of face authentication, they will now be able to collect their rations easily and without hassle.

**Software Updates for Ration Shop Machines**
To ensure the smooth implementation of this system, the government is undertaking necessary technical modifications and software updates for the e-POS machines and their core systems used in ration shops across the country. However, in the initial phase, this facility will only be available where the ePOS machines have been updated with the necessary camera and technology.

What is the ePDS system?
The ePDS—or Electronic Public Distribution System—is a digital system implemented by the government to manage data regarding ration card holders and beneficiaries online. This system oversees the entire process, ranging from the distribution of food grains to the verification of beneficiaries. This new initiative involving facial verification aims to further strengthen this digital framework and make it more user-friendly for the general public.

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