The government has made a big announcement for those who avail subsidized rate ration or free ration scheme from ration shops. These shops selling grains and rice are usually located in old settlements and backward areas, but the government is now planning to give these shops a makeover. A plan has been prepared for this by the central government. These shops will be started in UP, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana under a pilot project. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has launched a pilot project to convert 60 ration shops in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Telangana into ‘Jan Noorshan Kendra’. The objective of this project is to increase the capacity of FPS (Government Ration Shop) and provide nutritious food items. Under the pilot project, FPS dealers will also be allowed to diversify their products apart from subsidized grains. After the makeover, these shops will also be able to sell millet, various types of pulses, dairy products and daily necessities. This will also increase the income of the dealer. The Union Minister while inaugurating this project said, ‘This change will be beneficial for both parties. At present, in some areas, ration shops are open only for 8-9 days, while some centers are open only once in three months, other than that, these shops are kept closed.’ Meanwhile, the minister also introduced the updated version of the Mera Ration application. He said that currently there are about 5.38 lakh ration shops across the country. The commission received under the present system is not sufficient for dealers running ration shops. In such a situation alternative measures are required to utilize shop space and manpower more effectively.’