Biometric Authentication Based Automated Ration Disbursal for Public Distribution System

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel application for automating the Public Distribution System. The Government of India supplies essential commodities for everyday use like food grains (rice, wheat), kerosene (fuel for cooking) etc. to a large number of people by an elaborate machinery called Public Distribution System (PDS). This system currently works on manual processes. In this work, it is proposed that Smart Automated Ration Disbursal System (SARDS) using IoT replace the manual processes in PDS. This system consists of Embedded Controllers for online biometric authentication of the consumer, smart measuring for accurate disbursal of the commodities and real-time updating of data on the server. A prototype system to demonstrate its working is built using Arduino and Raspberry Pi controllers. An automatic dispensing system for solid as well as liquid commodity is fabricated and interfaced with the controllers using solenoid valves and sensors. Robust feedback is built into the system using sensors for accurate disbursal of material and detection of theft. Finally, experimental results showing accuracy of delivery of material and time required to process one consumer request are tabulated and analyzed. This system, when deployed in actual field, is expected to be operational 24x7 and ensure safe, secure, fast and corruption-free distribution of Ration commodities to the general public