Scaling up the Digitalization of the Public Distribution System: A COVID-19 Pandemic Impetus

Food grain is an essential commodity that requires proper procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution with easy access to needy people. Therefore, The Indian government has established a Public Distribution System (PDS) to distribute the food grain across the country. This study emphasizes the need for digitalization of PDS and how the COVID-19 accelerates the digitalization of PDS. We proposed a three-layer conceptual framework: food grain supply chain network, digital processes automation and digital technologies. We collaborate the three-layer perspectives to ensure food security during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the food grain leakage in PDS. This study also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and National Food Security Act aims to achieve the Zero Hunger goal. The proposed research will assist policymakers, institutions, and the government in implementing the digitalization of PDS for greater efficiency and transparency during a pandemic. Furthermore, this work may help to achieve the ambitious "Digital India" programme, which aims to improve India's online infrastructure and electronic services.