Govt launches Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra& Anna Sahayata apps for PDS

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, has launched three apps—Depot Darpan, Anna Mitra, and Anna Shayata—to modernise the country's agricultural infrastructure and Public Distribution system through digital innovation.

These apps were launched by the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, in New Delhi on 20th May 2025.

Features of the App

These Apps will help increase transparency in the entire Public Distribution System, from procurement to distribution to beneficiaries.

Depot Mobile App 

• The Depot Darpan mobile app will help supervisory officials track warehouse performance anytime. 
• The app is integrated with smart warehousing technologies, CCTV Surveillance, and IoT sensors.
• The app will help better monitor the warehouse where the food grains are stored and reduce pilferage.

Anna Sahyata app

• The app is a grievance-registering mechanism where citizens can register complaints in their local languages, with real-time tracking and feedback.
• The message can be registered in both text and voice message formats.

Anna Mitra app

• It will act as the real-time command centre for ration distribution for FDS dealers, Food Inspectors, and District Officials. 
• It will also provide information on monthly sales, inspection reports and government updates.

About Food Security and Public Distribution System

Food security in India means that there shall be 

• Availability of foodgrains (enough food is available for all the people)
• Accessibility to foodgrains ( all persons can buy food of acceptable quality ) and 
• affordability of food to all people at all times. 

The food security system launched by the  government has two components: 

(a) Buffer Stock,

(b) Public Distribution System 

 Buffer Stock 

• The concept of buffer stock was introduced during the 4th Five-Year Plan (1969-1974).
• Buffer stock refers to the foodgrains (wheat and rice) maintained by the Food Corporation of India (FCI)to provide foodgrains at a subsidised price to the state governments to distribute to the poor through Fair Price Shops (Ration shops). 

Public Distribution System (PDS)

• The government distributes food grains to the targeted population at an affordable price through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution manages the PDS system in partnership with the state governments. 
• The central government provides food grains through the FCI to the state government. The state government identifies the beneficiary, issues ration cards, and supervises the operation of the fair-price shop (ration shop).
• The state government can distribute additional items for mass consumption, like pulses, edible oils, salt, etc.