Starting June, Uttarakhand will fully implement biometric e-PoS-based ration distribution across all districts under the National and State Food Security Schemes. The Food Commissioner’s office has directed that the remaining eight districts adopt the system from June, expanding on its current implementation in five districts.
Food Commissioner Harichandra Semwal acknowledged the concerns of ration dealers and said certain relaxations have been given during the transition phase, allowing for full adaptation to the e-PoS system by September 30. However, no manual or offline distribution will be permitted during this period.
Currently, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts have been using e-PoS machines since April, while Rudraprayag, Dehradun, and Bageshwar are being equipped in May. The remaining districts will come under the system in the final rollout starting June.
Semwal stated that feedback from public representatives and the All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation was considered before finalizing the policy. Biometric verification will be mandatory, with exceptions allowed only in rare cases like severe illness, disability, or old age—where distribution can occur by entering the ration card number online.
According to Additional Commissioner P.C. Pangti, over 1,800 e-PoS machines are being distributed in the second phase to ensure smooth implementation statewide.
