7,000 Cameras to Guard Gujarat’s Grain Network

GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat is giving its Public Distribution System (PDS) a technology-driven overhaul, with GPS tracking, artificial intelligence-based route optimisation and nearly 7,000 CCTV cameras being deployed to make grain distribution more transparent, secure and accountable.

The Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. (GSCSCL) has digitised supply-chain operations covering 250 warehouses and nearly 17,000 fair price shops across the state.

Under the guidance of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramanbhai Solanki, the corporation has introduced ICT Logistics Software to track vehicles in real time from FCI depots to warehouses and fair price shops. Alerts are automatically generated if vehicles deviate from assigned routes or GPS connectivity is lost.

“Technology is enabling real-time monitoring and strengthening transparency across the grain distribution network,” officials said.

Geofencing and Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD) have also been introduced to verify consignments at warehouses and shops. A Command-and-Control Centre monitors suspicious activities, while the PDS portal provides live stock information and daily, weekly and monthly dashboards.

The security network has been further strengthened with around 7,000 Bullet, Dome, PTZ and ANPR cameras, with live feeds monitored through video walls at district offices and the corporation’s headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Farmer Procurement Portal enables procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), with Aadhaar, bank and land records verified through demographic and biometric authentication. Farmers receive SMS updates at every stage.