Nagaland rolls out SMART Public Distribution System, mandates e-KYC by April 30.
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DIMAPUR — The Department of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS), Nagaland, in line with the directives of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has implemented the SMART PDS (Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in the Public Distribution System).
In a press release, the department stated that the initiative aims to strengthen transparency, enable real-time monitoring, and enhance data-driven decision-making in the public distribution system (PDS).
Since the implementation of SMART PDS in the state in May 2025, the department has, through various circulars and press releases issued from time to time, informed all stakeholders regarding the need for strict adherence to prescribed procedures, it stated.
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These include the mandatory use of ePoS devices for all transactions, proper recording of non-transacted (undistributed) food grains as closing balance (CB), and completion of e-KYC by all beneficiaries as per the provisions of the NFSA Act, 2013.
Biometric devices (ePoS machines) are being used for authentication to avail subsidised food grains under NFSA and are currently utilised by over 80.6 crore beneficiaries across the country, including Nagaland.
These devices capture transaction details in real time on the AePDS portal, which is monitored by NIC, Hyderabad, and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, it informed.
According to the department, the biometric authentication system has been successfully implemented nationwide, including in Nagaland, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient delivery of food grains to eligible beneficiaries.
“In recent months, the department has received representations regarding shortfall or non-receipt of food grains by Fair Price Shops (FPS) and beneficiaries in certain districts.
“In this regard, it is clarified that all FPSs are required to maintain the non-transacted (undistributed) quantity of food grains in the ePoS system as closing balance. This quantity is automatically carried forward as opening balance (OB) in the subsequent month and is to be utilised accordingly for distribution,” the department stated.
All allocations and transactions are digitally recorded through platforms such as RCMS, AePDS, and IAeSCM, developed and maintained by NIC in coordination with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, it added.
The department further informed that the monthly allocation of food grains is auto-calculated through the SMART PDS portal after adjusting the closing balance of previous months.
“Accordingly, the department lifts food grains from FCI based on the net requirement generated by the system. Therefore, the closing balance must be physically available with the FPS/Village Council FPS for subsequent distribution to beneficiaries,” it stated.
All FPSs/Village Council-run FPSs have been advised to strictly adhere to the operational guidelines prescribed under SMART PDS.
It reminded that any deviation or non-compliance may adversely affect the effective implementation of NFSA in the state and cause inconvenience to beneficiaries.
For transparency and ease of access, the department’s portal (epos.nagaland.gov.in / eposnagaland.gov.in/scm) is open to the public, where beneficiaries can view details of their entitlements, allocations, and FPS information.
Further, all ration card beneficiaries under NFSA have been requested to complete their eKYC process by April 30, 2026, failing which their subsidy entitlements may be suspended or cancelled as per government norms.
For any clarification regarding closing balance or related matters, stakeholders may contact the respective district offices, the release stated.